Customer Reviews

Money, Power, & Elections: How Campaign Finance Reform Subverts American Democracy (Politics@media)

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Whether you are a politician, political wonk, and student or just interested in the election process for our country, this book is required reading! Rod Smith's approach is surprising and shows that our democracy could be in trouble because of the recent reforms for campaign financing. The data he presents clearly shows the "power of the incumbency". He also demonstrates and explains how people of means have greater access to being involved while the average citizen gets priced out of the election process.

I have run for public office and can attest to the fact that "richer" opponents can simply dig into deeper personal pockets and buy media time and signs, hire staff and sponsor activities that other candidates just cannot afford. The person of means can simply write a personal check. Most candidates are limited by law as to how much may be contributed by an individual or corporation. In the end, this translates into only the wealthy being able to run. It is a concern to those of us who value liberty and the right to run for public office.

I purchased this book with the expectation that it would agree with me on several points. Instead, it took me in a different direction. By showing me possible erroneous thought I had held and how my thoughts on election law could end up damaging the fate of the election process.

I want to add that his section on citizen sovereignty should be required reading in every class on US politics.