Campaign Reform

Re “Cash Wagon Stops at GOP’s Door Now,” editorial, Aug. 30: We are working toward getting a state campaign reform initiative on the November, 1996, ballot. In response to the staggering amount of money spent in 1994 by candidates for the state Legislature and statewide office, a coalition of Common Cause, League of Women Voters, AARP and United We Stand America has cooperated in crafting the California Political Reform (CPR) initiative. It limits the amount of contributions that can be received by candidates and provides incentives for those willing to abide by voluntary spending limits. In addition it puts brakes on lobbyists, bans campaign war chests, requires disclosure of funders of political advertising and imposes sanctions against violations.

The financing of campaigns has a direct effect on the decisions that California’s elected officers make on critical issues that affect our daily lives. We must restore the public voice, ensure that public policy decisions are based on merit, rather than the size of campaign contributions, and end the ability of special interests to buy access and influence. A signature on CPR petitions will at least permit open debate of the issues and let the voters have a say in finding answers.

ANNETTE HALL, President

LOIS R. FELDHEYM, Campaign Finance Reform Coordinator

League of Women Voters