Forum Post: Letter from Rep. Carney Supporting (?) Campaign Finance Reform

hank you for taking the time to contact me about campaign finance reform. I appreciate your interest and concerns about this important subject.

Like you, I am continually disturbed by the amount of money spent on electoral campaigns. Some argue that campaign contributions constitute free speech, and should be limitless. Opponents of campaign finance reform contend that campaign finance disclosures are an undo regulation on speech. Supporters of reform argue that greater transparency would decrease abuse, and that contribution limits would prevent one person or group from gaining too much influence over the political process.

A number of bills have been introduced in the 112th Congress concerning campaign finance reform. On January 25, 2011, Congressman David Price (D-NC) introduced H.R. 414, the Presidential Funding Act. H.R. 414 increases the amount of matching public funds for Presidential and Congressional elections. On April 6, 2011, Congressman John Larson (D-CT) introduced H.R. 1404, the Fair Elections Now Act. H.R. 1404 reforms the financing of House of Representatives elections by setting up a Fair Elections Fund and allowing candidates to limit their campaign fundraising by raising from small dollar donors whose contributions would be matched by the Fund. Both of these bills were referred to the House Administration Committee, upon which I do not serve. Should either bill come before the House during the 112th Congress, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.

I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I take seriously the trust Delawareans have placed in me and my responsibility to represent them in Congress, and I look forward to serving you in the coming years.

Sincerely,

John Carney Member of Congress