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[Update on the State Supreme Court fair elections bill]
WPC ACTION ALERT
Washington Public Campaigns
February 14, 2010
http://www.washclean.org/Library/ActionAlert/AA_approveSB5912insenate_021310.pdf
WE'RE ON THE SENATE FLOOR!
The Senate Rules Committee has moved SB 5912 -- the Supreme Court Fair Elections bill -- to the Senate floor for a vote.
This bill is now in line for consideration (and vote) by the full Senate – probably Monday.
Now it’s time -- immediately! -- to encourage every Senator to vote for this bill.
Tell them: Please vote to support SB 5912 -- Fair Elections for the Supreme Court!
We want at least 25 votes for the bill to pass. No parliamentary tricks; no delays!
Points to emphasize:
• The court's job is to uphold the law and the constitution -- and that's not for sale!
• We want judges on the court -- not politicians. It's no place for partisan fights.
• Although the U.S. Supreme Court ruling now allows corporations to spend lavishly from their treasuries to influence the outcome of elections, we in Washington State say, No! Elections must be decided by VOTERS -- not by special interest campaign financiers!
• SB 5912 is modest and practical, funded in a practical way with nexus to the courts. It requires no general fund appropriation and no tax increase. The $3 surcharge on court fees (those over $20) is reasonable and affordable -- often less than copying costs of court filings!
• Participating candidates who qualify receive sufficient public funds to run a competitive campaign -- and they are beholden to NO special interest group. It's non-partisan and fair. It puts voters -- rather than money -- in charge of election outcomes. And that's the point!
• Public financing for candidates' campaigns in this bill is not a giveaway, and it's optional.
HOW the program works -- Supreme Court Fair Elections:
Judicial candidates must qualify by first raising $41,000 from at least 500 in-state contributors -- thereby demonstrating widespread support -- in amounts no larger than $400 per contributor.
Then upon reaching these minimums to qualify, they receive a public sum to run their campaign, enough to be competitive -- first for the primary, and if they win, more for the general election.
If outspent by opponents, “rescue” funds are awarded, up to an upper limit. But once qualified, the publicly-financed candidate must run his/her race using only the public funds provided -- no more private contributions are allowed.
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