Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

While I grudgingly admit that Bloomberg has been good for NYC, I can't help but feel that this has been an unfair election, when you consider that Bloomberg has access to unlimited money to help him get his message out.

Does this bother anyone else? I know it's extreme, but I worry about this becoming a country run by the wealthy, for the wealthy.

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

I would rather them use THEIR $$$ than someone elses.

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

I think that they should be able to but to a certain extent. Not that one has more power over another because they are richer than the other.

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

i would feel better if they did- that way they don't have to cater to lobbyists with big $$ and we can actually find out what a politican stands for!!!

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

I'd like to say yes but that would mean only the people with the most money have an unequal advantage since they can buy more radio, tv ad, etc. However I'd rather see them use their own money than cater to special interest groups.

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

I think there should be a cap, that way they are equal and have to make the most with what they have. I think its ridiculous what is spent and a waste..I know I personally could do without the 50 messages a day left on my cell phone asking to vote for someone. Thats costs them money and I delete it within the first two seconds...money that could have been spent in a better way!!!

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

i thought there was a cap? (but i guess different rules may apply to different positions/levels?)

i know my mom couldnt use her own money, and there was a cap (very low, imo, too) as to how much $$$ they could receive from donations. (but that was at the city council level)

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

I believe that candidates at least at one time had to get equal air time.... but that does not cover the phone calls, newspaper ads, etc. I think there should be a cap as well. Also political donations are always suspect....IMO....I mean if the Local 4077 gives $ to Joe Blow Republican....who do you really think will get that new City Center construction job?????

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

Message edited 11/8/2005 9:38:29 AM.

Re: Should politicians be allowed to use their own money for campaigns?

I'm torn. In a case like Bloomberg, I admire that he came from nothing and built up his company to be an industry leader and was able to become so personally wealthy. Talk about the American Dream! I feel like he might remember more how it is for many of us.

On the other hand, I feel like candidates that have had enormous wealth for a long time (take for example the Kennedy family) are completely out of touch with the average American and don't really represent us. They even have figured out all the rules so that they can run in places they didn't really live, which I think it TOTALLY wrong.

But then again, look at Steve Forbes, he had all that money and couldn't get enough votes.

Message edited 11/8/2005 11:54:15 AM.