Citizen Funded Elections

“Voters have always supported setting limits on campaign contributions. That’s true across political party affiliation,” Kate Titus of Common Cause Oregon testified in support of the measure. “Oregon is one of only five states that sets no limits at all on campaign contributions, has among the most expensive campaigns per capita, and ranks worst in the country for corporate cash to lawmakers.”

Today we discuss Ballot Measure 107 with Kate Titus, Oregon State Director for Common Cause. Kate has been a long-time advocate for campaign finance reform. Measure 107, Campaign Finance Limits Amendment, would authorize the Oregon State Legislature and local governments to limit political contributions and expenditures. Currently, Oregon campaign finance laws allow unlimited contributions to candidates and ballot measures. Oregon is one of five states with no limits on campaign contributions.

If we’re ever going to realize the full promise of this imperfect democracy, to make it truly representative and reflective of the American people, then we need to divorce power in our democracy from wealth. --- Kate Titus, executive director, Common Cause Oregon

A diverse coalition representing Oregonians from across the state on Wednesday will urge the Senate Committee on Campaign Finance to support a small donor election system that reduces the power of big money in state politics by limiting big campaign contributions and increasing small ones.

The Portland city council passed “Open & Accountable Elections” today, a reform aimed at curbing special interest money in city elections and making city government more representative and accountable to the voters.