February 18, 1998|By C. Fraser Smith | C. Fraser Smith,SUN STAFF
A group of Maryland lawmakers believes an infusion of "clean money" supplied by taxpayers would reduce the power of wealthy special interests in campaigns, attract more talented candidates and improve voter confidence in government.
The latest approach to public financing of legislative races comes from senators and delegates who say the $20 million cost per election year would be a bargain. Sponsors of the legislation believe the biggest hurdles to public acceptance and passage in the Assembly will be the idea that this money represents another tax and deepening public cynicism.
"Proponents will need to show that the bill provides a more level playing field," said state Sen. Paul G. Pinsky, a Prince George's Democrat and a sponsor of the measure. He said a typical voter is likely to say at first, "Oh, we're going to pay all this money [to elect] people we don't trust?" But Pinsky said most would answer yes if asked, "Would you like to see people make decisions [in the legislature] free of the money?"
"Clean money" bills have been filed in both houses. In the House, another bill would put the question to the voters in the form of a constitutional amendment.
Each of the three bills calls for covering 75 percent of the cost of House or Senate campaigns with public money and 25 percent with money from candidates, who would agree to raise their shares in contributions of $100 or less from individuals, political action committees or political parties.
Overall spending limits would be set at $80,000 per candidate for Senate races and $35,000 for the House. Both figures are frequently exceeded now as campaign costs rise continually, and that attracts contributors who are capable of making large and, the sponsors say, unhealthy contributions.
"It's a propitious time for this idea," said Pinsky, "because the level of cynicism and distrust is almost off the radar screen."
Kathleen S. Skullney, executive director of Common Cause/Maryland, said, "Mere voters can't compete in a marketplace dominated by big money."
Participation in the program would be voluntary.
The bill provides that if a candidate who participates in the public funding system is outspent by an opponent, the fund would match the excess spending up to twice the spending limit. Under the proposal, the ballot could be marked to identify which candidate is abiding by the new system and which is outside it.
The public money would come primarily from general state revenue. The $20 million price was based on the assumption that four candidates would participate in each of the legislative district primary elections and two from each district in the general election.
Pub Date: 2/18/98
