Originally published March 5, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified March 5, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Legislature 2008
Legislature would permit public funds for local candidates
Candidates for local office could get public money to support their election bids — but only if the voters sign off first ...
The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — Candidates for local office could get public money to support their election bids — but only if the voters sign off first — under a bill that cleared the Legislature on Tuesday.
The state House gave final legislative approval on a 51-43 vote, after a long debate that showed strong philosophical differences between majority Democrats and minority Republicans.
Under the bill, cities, counties and other jurisdictions could provide local candidates with government financing, but only after getting approval for such a program from local voters.
Only local taxes could be tapped for the public campaign accounts, and the money could not be used in campaigns for state offices or school boards.
GOP opponents declared the plan tragic, horrible and even un-American, because taxpayers might end up financially supporting candidates with whom they disagree.
Critics also argued that the ability to get donor support is an important test of a candidate's work ethic, viability and fitness for office. In the end, 10 Democrats joined the House GOP in voting against the bill.
Rep. Joyce McDonald, R-Puyallup, quoted Thomas Jefferson in arguing that public campaign financing was akin to the British system rejected by America's founders.
"People are free to give, and they're free not to give," said McDonald, R-Puyallup. "We ought to leave it that way."
Democratic supporters, however, said public financing could help reduce the influence of special-interest money in local campaigns and might encourage more people to run for office.
"By making sure that the common people can support and have a fair election, races will not be decided by the person with the biggest checkbook," said Rep. Mark Miloscia, D-Federal Way. "Checkbook democracy is the wrong kind of democracy."
Republicans tried unsuccessfully to amend the measure several times, though a few of those votes were very close.
The GOP's proposed changes included a prohibition on public financing for unopposed candidates, disclosures of taxpayer financing on campaign materials, and a requirement that candidates repay any subsidies if the money is illegally used for personal gain.
It's unclear whether Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire will sign the bill into law.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Tight Senate vote launches health care over hurdle
UPDATE - 04:28 PM
Senate Democrats at odds over health care bill
Mammogram guidelines spark debate over health bill
Historic health care bill nears key Senate vote
Landrieu to vote to move ahead on health-care bill

LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham talks about the upcoming MLS Cup final during after a team practice.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Craigslist adoption ad: A plea by young mother-to-be? A scam?
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helen's and Astoria, Ore.
- Italian lead prosecutor argues Knox motive was hatred
- Italian prosecutors request life sentence for UW student
- Man shot in chest on E. Union Street in Capitol Hill
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- Mariners Blog | A Mariners-Tigers swap makes a whole lot of sense for both teams
- Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
- Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors
- Senate vote clears hurdle
232 - Mariners add six to 40-man roster
149 - Tight Senate vote launches health care over hurdle
118 - Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
110 - Palin excitement builds in Tri-Cities
102 - Vikings easily beat the Seahawks
95 - Prosecutor requests life in prison for Amanda Knox
86 - Cutting through breast-cancer confusion
81 - Game thread
68 - New York terror trials will restore faith in rule of law
46
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Nonprofits get creative using Twitter and Facebook to make donation easier
- It's possible to recover a life lost to hoarding
- Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
- Great places to cross-country ski for free (or almost) in the Methow
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helen's and Astoria, Ore.
- Recipes: Sesame Pork Roast, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce and more
- Banff: powder, peaks & purity
- 175 foster kids in Washington get 'forever families'





