The so-called Anti-Corruption Initiative has hidden the money it has received. Supporters have said they will ask New York real-estate tycoon Howie Rich for money if they make the ballot, which they now have in 2010. Rich has thrown his money into ballot initiatives across the United States, in an effort to further his own interests.
Some of these initiatives have been thrown off the ballot, as in Montana where, in September of 2006, District Judge Dirk Sandefur removed three bogus initiatives from the November ballot. Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer challenged Rich to a public debate, saying: "I am writing to invite you to Montana to meet the folks whose lives you wish to change so drastically through your shady campaign. We would like to learn more about who you are, and about your motive to impose such a poisonous constitutional amendment on us."
... By wrapping their initiative in the guise of fighting corruption, Anti-Corruption Initiative supporters are attempting to hide their efforts to negate Clean Elections. But that is exactly what their initiative will do.
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Most importantly, with clean elections, corporations and special interests can't buy their way into the halls of government. Special interest money is simply taken out of the equation. This puts people back in charge of the electoral process and their democracy.
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The Clean Elections Initiative is a positive step toward political campaign reform in Alaska. It will allow Alaskans of all political stripes to run for office and put out their ideas as to what is best for Alaska. The founders of this country and this state certainly didn't want wealthy special interests dominating political life. Clean elections are a way to get our system back.
My turn: Clean Elections transparent, 'Anti-Corruption' masks funding
Juneau Empire (AK) - June 22, 2008
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