General Discussion

MineralMan

(150,939 posts)

35. I suggest campaigns that are 100% taxpayer funded.

Sat Dec 21, 2013, 01:31 PM

Dec 2013

I did mention that those elected who have no outside income or wealth should be given a stipend equal to the average individual income in the US.

What I'd like to see is the removal of any possible influence through campaign contributions and a return to it being an honor to serve in elective office. I do not see honor of service as one of the driving factors today. Today, it's more the opportunities of being elected to Congress that attracts candidates.

Taxpayer funded campaigns of short duration are, I believe, key in reforming our legislative system, frankly.

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Something to consider... [View all] CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2013 OP

Oh, yes, please. Just for one year. How hard can THAT be? NYC_SKP Dec 2013 #1

I LIKE how you think, my dear NYC_SKP! CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2013 #2

GMTA, sister! NYC_SKP Dec 2013 #4

It would only have affect the few that aren't millionaires already. Live and Learn Dec 2013 #3

I thought the vast majority were millionaires... CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2013 #5

Then we can watch them all scurry to K Street like the rats that they are. Marie Marie Dec 2013 #6

Oh, phooey. You're right; that's what they'd do. CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2013 #8

Exactly. They'd make it up on off-the-books payments in nothing flat. nt Ace Acme Dec 2013 #41

big k/r Voice for Peace Dec 2013 #7

And make them live in public housing, use public transport and live on SNAP. 1000words Dec 2013 #9

YES, absolutely! CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2013 #10

Somewhere along the line ... 1000words Dec 2013 #15

It is, but honor doesn't pay the light bill jmowreader Dec 2013 #49

I like how you think 1000words Dec 2013 #50

... and work more than one job ... fierywoman Dec 2013 #11

Not sure I'd want to go that far... CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2013 #13

Welcome to DU, fierywoman! calimary Dec 2013 #17

Give them cardboard signs and squeegees and let them beg. And ban lobbyists. marble falls Dec 2013 #12

I think that may be a bit much. CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2013 #14

They have no problems with homelessness, unemployment, the uninsured, hunger ...... marble falls Dec 2013 #16

Eliminate lobbyists TexasTowelie Dec 2013 #18

Eliminate stock trading by the members as well. obxhead Dec 2013 #19

That seems eminently fair to me. dchill Dec 2013 #20

Exactly. CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2013 #21

That's all they're worth. bearssoapbox Dec 2013 #22

Then you're stuck with b/millionaires and the corrupt ones. nt TeamPooka Dec 2013 #23

+1 nt Live and Learn Dec 2013 #28

I love this! passiveporcupine Dec 2013 #24

Awesome idea! AzDar Dec 2013 #25

I have said for some time now that the solution for our Representatives is to A Simple Game Dec 2013 #26

YES! And no taxpayer-funded HC or retirement...AND Triana Dec 2013 #27

And the WH, too. Minimum is still too much money for all of them. BKH70041 Dec 2013 #29

I would require each to spend 6 weeks working at a fast food franchise rhett o rick Dec 2013 #30

Honestly, are they not PUBLIC SERVANTS? PowerToThePeople Dec 2013 #31

Sympathetic to the sentiment, but this would be about the worst thing we could do. Egalitarian Thug Dec 2013 #32

Serving in Congress should be such an honor for those elected, MineralMan Dec 2013 #33

Used to be that way. malthaussen Dec 2013 #34

I suggest campaigns that are 100% taxpayer funded. MineralMan Dec 2013 #35

Yeah, I like that idea myself. But... malthaussen Dec 2013 #37

A taste of austerity would do them good. JEB Dec 2013 #36

...and send THEIR kids to the nearest Public School. bvar22 Dec 2013 #38

they would immediately raise it to 170,000 a year spanone Dec 2013 #39

I hate these ideas Tumbulu Dec 2013 #40

Yeah, and no benes unless they work for their constituents at least 40 hours a week. nt valerief Dec 2013 #42

And for lagniappe, with no health benefits, sick leave, or vacation indepat Dec 2013 #43

We justify paying wait staff less that minimum Maedhros Dec 2013 #44

Here in Germany, some public officials (judges, e.g.) are given "anti-corruption" bonuses DFW Dec 2013 #45

That certainly sounds like a good approach. CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2013 #46

Our neighbor, at least is fine with it DFW Dec 2013 #47

That pesky 27th ammendment! Rosa Luxemburg Dec 2013 #48