RE: An Uneasy Mixture

[Denise Hood <hoodsx3@aol.com>]

G. Gocek writes:

"...Perhaps dollar limits could be set (and tightly monitored) on the spending of individual candidates, allowing a higher ceiling for challengers to offset the natural advantages of incumbents. The limits could be adjusted by jurisdiction based on the cost of campaigning in specific geographic areas (e.g. urban California vs. rural Mississippi) and an inflation escalator could be included to allow for rising costs over time. But the candidates could have complete freedom as to their contribution sources, as long as they were fully disclosed. They would then have to assess whether the risk of being associated with a few, well-heeled special interests offset the efficiency gains in not having to spend as much time on fundraising and the consequent freedom to concentrate on being a more effective legislator. The voters would then decide if the candidate struck a reasonable balance in positioning himself to represent their interests."

Brilliant! "G.", I think you have covered all your bases. An idea like this one could have wide appeal! I like your thinking.