Campaign Spending

[NakaNaka]

The Los Angeles Times reported today that experts think the two candidates that win their primaries will raise $500 million each between now and election day 2008. That is double what Bush and Kerry raised for 2004. Double the spending, in just one election.

$1 billion for just the two major candidates. Plus what the losers in each primary spend, plus the 527s and such.

Then again, the Supreme Court has ruled that money = speech. So it's not an easy answer. But it just seems like way too much money on an election.

Your thoughts?

 

[techs]

It's the MONEY, stupid.

Hillary announced she is not going to accept public financing.
I read this in 2 newspapers but can't find a link, but I am working on the assumption its true.
So, Hillary is going to "self" finance as opposed to using public financing.
People who keep saying the candidates and policies in this country are so screwed up have their answer. It's the MONEY, stupid.
Last election Bush raised 269 million and Kerry 234 million. Hmm. Wonder if Kerry might have overcome his dismal campaign and won with an additional 35 million?

My point is that I believe the majority of the money raised is not from individuals and groups hoping to elect the candidate who will do what they think is best for the country, but which candidate will put MONEY into their pockets. Pure and simple.
Almost EVERY corporate donation is to this end. Do you think General Electric or ADM or General Motors gives a dam* about the Patriot Act or abortion or how many police are on the streets? Heck no. Its ALL about how the candidates policies will affect their bottom line.

So stop your kvetching about how uninspired or awful or mediocre the candidates are.
Blame the SYSTEM that puts MONEY at the TOP of every candidates agenda.
Nuff said.

 

[ayabe]

Well it takes a bare minimum of $15 million to run for Senate, when we're talking those kind of bucks you will be beholden to someone, there's just no way around it.

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: ayabe
Well it takes a bare minimum of $15 million to run for Senate, when we're talking those kind of bucks you will be beholden to someone, there's just no way around it.

Should it take 15 mil to run for the Senate? If it didn't take 15 mil then there WOULD be a way around it.

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: techs

Originally posted by: ayabe
Well it takes a bare minimum of $15 million to run for Senate, when we're talking those kind of bucks you will be beholden to someone, there's just no way around it.

Should it take 15 mil to run for the Senate? If it didn't take 15 mil then there WOULD be a way around it.

I'm not saying it's right, but the facts are the facts. Average Joe can't run for office, he/she has to have an interest group behind them. The exception being if they are insanely wealthy, which comes with it's own baggage of course.

I don't know the numbers for HoR but it's safe to say at least 5 mill for starters.

 

[Arkaign]

I think we should limit each candidate to one popsicle, a box of rabid ferrets, and a Will Smith CD each.

 

[techs]

How about having limit spent per voter in the state with only money that comes from individuals with a limit of 1,000 per voter?

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: techs
How about having limit spent per voter in the state with only money that comes from individuals with a limit of 1,000 per voter?

Only if they also abide by my terms as above 🙂

 

[blackangst1]

It's my understanding the RNC and DNC dont give alot for candidates, and that the majority of money comes from personal wealth and donations. True or no?