The Power of Money Historic ballot measures confront a broken system. BY GARY "SPRUCE" HOUSER A common assumption is that Oregon is relatively progressive compared to states such as Alabama and Mississippi. This perception, however, takes a direct hit when the issue comes to big money influence over elections. Our state is now one of only five in the entire country that have no limits whatsoever in regard to campaign spending. On Nov. 7, voters will have the chance to step out from a dark age of unlimited spending by special interests which has polluted the legislative process and stifled the will of its citizens. Two ballot measures — 46 and 47 — will be presenting this historic opportunity. Oregon has a wonderful heritage related to protecting democracy. In the 1890s, there was a "people's movement" against the influence of big money. In 1902, our state helped pioneer the ballot initiative as a way of bringing government back under the control of "the people." What became known as the "Oregon System" was copied by surrounding states. Unfortunately, special interests have utilized court rulings granting electoral "rights" to corporations to re-inject their wealth into the political arena. While other states have acted to curb this abuse in Oregon, it has become a perpetual "open season." It is why Enron chose to incorporate here. Corporations spent $20 million on Oregon Legislature contests in the last two election cycles. The distribution of $190,000 in Texas, for which former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was indicted, would not even draw notice in Oregon. "No limits whatsoever" means what it says. Zero limits. $50 million could be spent if deemed necessary. Citizens of Oregon demonstrated strong support for reining in big money when they approved a campaign finance reform ballot measure in 1994 by a 72 percent majority. However, a legal challenge elicited a ruling from the state Supreme Court to invalidate the measure. An excellent slideshow illustrating the sorry decline of democracy in Oregon is available at www.fairelections.net/fe5_files/frame.htm Now the good news. Measure 46 is a one sentence amendment to the state Constitution enabling campaign finance laws to be legally enacted. Measure 47 is the actual delineation of the contribution limits. Its language is based on a successful initiative passed in Colorado in 2002. To withstand a legal challenge, Measure 47 must be even-handed in its spending controls. Some union advocates are objecting to such controls, but it is essential that all interests play by the same rules. Unions, as well as public interest groups, will be allowed to form small donor committees (SDCs) which can collect an unlimited number of contributions up to $50. This places a premium on attracting many supporters rather than allowing a few wealthy individuals to "speak" with a disproportionately loud voice. The enactment of misguided policies is not a process that occurs in a vacuum. Our entire political system has been tainted. The entrenched power of money will not give up without a battle. "People power" must be fully utilized against "money power." Voters must be warned to recognize the media blitz when it comes and see the big money that is cynically attempting to manipulate their perceptions. One opposition group is actually targeting progressive groups with inaccurate information in order to sow confusion. A direct, point by point refutation of these distortions is available at www.fairelections.netAlso offered on this site (and through the toll-free phone number, 800-939-8011) is the exact language of the two measures and a description of ways to help the campaign. Those who seek societal change stand at a critical crossroads. The restoration of democracy will only be achieved if public interest advocates recognize their common foe and truly unite in a collective effort. It is claimed that American soldiers are dying in Iraq "to bring democracy to the Middle East," while right here in our own country that ideal is under direct assault. Voters of Oregon will have an historic chance to address the source in November. This state must not be conceded to the forces of wealth and greed. Gary "Spruce" Houser has worked on the campaign finance issue for many years. Feedback can be sent to mountainmist8@yahoo.com
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