Have you ever thought about being in politics? Too bad, you’re probably too poor. After all, in Oregon, it costs $500,000 to get a state senate seat. You better start begging from big corporations and rich people, because that’s the only way anybody can compete in Oregon’s campaign system. And don’t forget, when you get there, you’ll owe them favors! Tax breaks on corporations and luxury homes are popular, I hear. Luckily, Measures 46 and 47 (vote YES!) on the November ballot offer some hope. Measure 46 is a simple statement allowing either a citizen ballot initiative or the state legislature to enact campaign contribution limitations. Measure 47 is the ballot initiative that will actually set limits and prohibit corporations from contributing, forcing candidates to actually talk to the people whose votes they want, and find out what we as citizens want and need from our elected representatives. It will also encourage grassroots fundraising from lots of small donors instead of just a few rich people. Why is this good? Because candidates will have a vested interest in an educated, politically active citizenry, rather than in a bunch of apathetic schmucks who don’t care to know, or have the ability to affect, what’s happening outside their front door. Check out www.fairelections.net for lots of fun facts that will amaze your friends. And vote YES on Measures 46 & 47!
Jamie McCrae
University student