Marin Clean Elections

Media

Articles, op-eds, editorials, letters-to-the-editor and press releases about Marin Clean Elections are posted below as they appear.

What Are People Saying

“Clean Money campaigns give the advantage to the well-informed and experienced candidate, not the one who benefits most from special interest money. Let’s return our campaigns to a debate of ideas and vision rather than a bombardment of propaganda designed to mislead and confuse.”
Senator-elect Mark Leno, (D-San Francisco

“Clean Election reform is the most important first step to creating government that is responsive, transparent and accountable. There is no better way to restore the integrity and vitality of our Republic.
Assemblymember Jared Huffman, (D-San Rafael)

“Public funding of election campaigns is a critical reform that is needed at all levels of our government.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi

“We could use Clean Elections here. They would reduce the need for fundraising, reduce the temptation to use third party groups to attack opponents, and would make elections more democratic, since the ability to raise money isn’t necessarily the best indicator of fitness for the job.”
Supervisor Charles McGlashan, Marin County

“Why shouldn’t the people decide that the most important business in a democracy is running free and fair elections, and, once having made that decision, should they not insist that it is the people’s business to pay for them?…Why not allow those legislators who choose to do so, to have their campaigns paid for by the public. Let them spend their time adjudicating public policy issues and serving the public. Let them serve as examples of what selfless public service can be. Why not?”
Peter Coyote, Actor & Activist

“Cleanly financed elections that bring more citizens into the political process as candidates, donors, and organizers are vital to maintaining the health of American democracy.”
New York Times Editorial

“It’s tough to get people to give you money. It’s a lot harder than candidates think initially. So a lot of our candidates will get 150 contributions, 180 contributions, and then they find that they better go out there pounding the streets and talking to people about issues… I really think the program does work well. I think it does get the candidates out into the community.”
Tucson City Clerk Kathleen Detrick, talking about the donations qualifications for Clean Elections in Tucson