Nick Dranias, in Washington DC for Monday’s oral arguments on the matching funds provision of AZ’s ‘Clean Elections’ law, participates in a Cato Institute policy forum. Dranias explains how the state’s public financing scheme, far from promoting political debate, penalizes privately-funded candidates for raising and spending money on their campaigns, the essence of political speech. Candidates have reacted by simply not spending money or by delaying expenditures until the last few days of an election. Thus, the effect of the matching funds is to diminish rather than increase debate. David Gans of the liberal Constitutional Accountability Center defends the campaign finance system (unconvincingly, in my opinion) on the basis of ‘creating an election system free from corrupting influence.’
Brief Blog: March 26, 2011 – Goldwater Institute’s Nick Dranias on matching funds
Cato Institute policy forum
About the Author
Amy H Laff is a StateBrief.com partner. A graduate of Univ of Penn and Stanford Law School, Amy practiced law and mediation on the east coast before relocating to the Valley, where she founded and chairs the AZ chapter of the Republican Jewish Coalition. Amy makes frequent media appearances, including AZ Law Channel and Tony Katz Radio Spectacular. Additionally, she works with companies and candidates on branding and communication. 
I happen to believe the election process should be viewed, by the judicial branch of our government, as belonging to the VOTERS.
Hey Goldwater Insti-crooks, Phoenix is giving 20 million to First Solar. Where are you when tax payers need you? Show me you are non bias in your actions!