I read an interesting letter to the editor of the Herald this morning from Tanya Baumgart and Judy Corliss, speaking on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County. Apparently they are supporting a bill eititled "Local Choice/Local Option," which ostensibly removes the state ban currently prohibiting public financing of locally run campaigns. If successful, this action would would reinstate the ability of local jurisdictions’ to allocate funding for local public campaigns.

The web site Washington Public Campaigns has more information on this.

As one who just ran for local office, I can appreciate what they are trying to do. Raising campaign funding was one of the most difficult aspects of the campaign, and really took a lot of time away from direct contact with the voters. So, I'm not unsympathetic, however, I look at other attempts at campaign finance reform such as John McCain and Russ Feingold's bête noire that essentially backfired and brought about the very thing they intended it to prevent. I'm fairly confident that this attempt will similarly have loopholes big enough to drive a Kenworth through and may end up causing the very thing League of Women Voters wish to prevent.

I'm not coming out against this, but rather raising the flag of caution.

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