Campaign Finance: The Neys Have It!
February 5, 2006

The Ohio press is abuzz with news that Bob Ney, popular hometown congressional Republican, was the biggest recipient of illegal campaign funds from Jack Abramoff. Jack has confessed his crimes, so now the real fun begins. Who all received illegal funding from Abramoff’s benefactors?

The real shame is that there will likely be additional campaign “reform” as a result of this mess. It’s a shame because what passes as reform is more often restriction of free speech and infliction of more burdensome regulations.

Don’t get me wrong, us PurpleThinkers are no fan of campaign ads. By definition, the areas of the country with more PurpleThink got hit with the most commercials, campaign stops, and other political activities. But, let’s face it – Abramoff’s activities would have been illegal under old campaign finance laws too. More regulation only makes things worse.

PurpleThink advocates less regulation. Yep, open up those floodgates -- unlimited spending, and unlimited fundraising. It’s already unlimited, you just don’t realize it. By making it all legal, it allows honest people to play by the rules. In addition, by opening everything up, you can enforce reporting requirements. Think your candidate is in the back pocket of the NRA or NEA? How would you know?

Don’t believe me?

1) It’s illegal to contribute unlimited amounts to individual campaigns, but you can contribute unlimited amounts to individual charitable trust funds.
2) It’s illegal to contribute unlimited amounts to individual campaigns, but you can contribute virtually any amount you wish to political parties. These parties spend their money in ways far more detrimental to the political process because they are less transparent.
3) Increased regulation is disproportionately detrimental to 3rd parties that do not have the same entrenched national networks necessary to circumvent certain caps and media blackouts.

So, here’s PurpleThink’s proposed punishment for Bob Ney and any other congressperson found guilty of Jacking with Abramoff.

1) You can run for office again, but only if you provide $1 for every dollar spent also to the Libertarians, Reformers, and Constitution, uh, ers.
2) Create a campaign commercial with your own money using a script approved by the opposition. Yes, you must state that you “approved this message.”
3) For heaven’s sake – don’t run anymore ads in Columbus, Ohio – - we’ve had enough.

Bob Ney information: Bob Ney Watch

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