RE: Reporting our common ground

[Jean Prokopow <wprokopow@aol.com>]

I read many messages that pointed out the power of special interests, and the need for change.  Many thought contributions chould be severly curtailed.  Some concurred with Supreme Court decision of 1974, Buckley vs. Valleo, that there should be no restrictions on contributions as these are expressions of free speech.

Some suggested public financing of campaigns, and/or free or low cost TV, and/or transparency of contributions.

I appreciated the frank admission by that special interests do expect favorable treatment in response to "investments", and the warning that if this avenue is closed, another will be opened, such as the promise of a lucrative position, either as top staff or board member, when the member leaves Congress (actually it seems to me this is already occurring with great regularity.)