opinion

Campaign finance system is corrupt

As a long-time Republican, I’m disappointed that my party has not always been out on the front lines regarding campaign finance reform. Our campaign finance system is full of corruption and needs a complete overhaul. Politicians receive massive, undisclosed contributions from PACs. Voters rarely know who is behind the money until the election is over and then it is too late.

Recently, I joined the steering committee for Iowa Pays the Price, a non-partisan nonprofit dedicated to reducing the power and influence of money in politics. They’ve asked all candidates, both Republican and Democrats, for their campaign finance reform plans. I believe this is truly a non-partisan issue, and I encourage fellow Republicans, especially those running for office, to address this issue.

A reasonable solution to this issue, proposed by Chris Christie, is requiring online disclosure of any donation to a campaign of more than $5,000 within 24 hours. Elite PAC donors could then give direct-to-candidate instead of through third-party groups. Voters will then be able to use information from the disclosed contributions to correct the political market and purge government of purchased- and paid-for politicians.

I am proud to be a part of an organization like Iowa Pays the Price that is holding all candidates accountable. Democrats and Republicans must work together for common sense solutions to fight special interests. Together we can make this nation’s election system work for the people and by the people of this great nation.

— Marlon Mormann, Des Moines