Isn't there a requirement in most of these taxpayer-funded electoral programs that the candidate show a certain level of support by raising a number of low-dollar donations prior to public funding? If so, then how would this help Judith Espinosa who apparently can muster very few donations on her own?

I'm not discounting the possible problems with public financing of elections, but I'm not seeing how Espinosa's situation is relevant to them. Perhaps I needed a longer post, Mario. (grin)
Charles McCoy | 07.22.05 - 8:12 am | #

Yes Charles, a candidate must display considerable support before being certified as a participating candidate. Furthermore, the system will not cost taxpayers millions. Read the text of the Open and Ethical Elections Code at the Legislative Information Portal: http://www.cabq.gov/council/legp.../ legportal.html.

A voluntary system like this will end the suspicious link between big campaign contributions and public subsidies. See here for documentation at the state level: http://www.commoncause.org/site/...1MQIwG& b=252027
Matt Brix | Homepage | 07.22.05 - 12:05 pm | #