2. Why is this problem important?

Governor Pawlenty made the strategic choice to not accept public funds and not face campaign limits. Regardless of the candidate's party, this signals the ineffectiveness of what once was a considered to be effective campaign finance reform. A lack of reform undermines the public's confidence in government. Two ways for me to be an active citizen are to donate to a campaign and to volunteer for a campaign. However, I doubt that my $50 is at all meaningful for most campaigns anymore. I'm less inclined to play that citizenship role. Furthermore, given the ready availability of campaign funds from special interests (of any stripe) and from caucuses and parties, campaigns are relying more and more on purchased campaign services and less on individuals contributions of time and energy.

3. How could the Citizens League make a unique contribution?

Incumbents have no real impetus to reform the system. They are successful under the system. The League can present a non-partisan solution and has the prestige to generate public attention on the matter.

4. What are prospects that project would yield recommendations that could be implemented and have a major impact on the problem?

It is possible that the change in control of the state House can present an opportunity. First, this past election, on the national level, was about ethics and change. There is fertile ground for a campaign finance reform effort. Second, the executive and legislative branch are split between two parties. Neither party will be able to force a partisan bill on the other.

5. Explain how this problem can be addressed by data, research, and reason? Identify probable sources for data and research.

There are numerous data sources on campaign spending and campaign donations. Furthermore, there are interesting experiments gone on around the country that might guide us here.

6. Explain how this proposal can be framed without partisan bias.

This is the ideal time to address this in a bi-partisan environment. Given the divided government at the state level, neither of the two real major parties can force something on the other. The League with its no-partisan alignment can be the catalyst for real reform again.

7. Why would this project be attractive to members?

It affects us all. Most of us, I suspect, are pretty disgusted with thecurrent state of affairs.

8. How would this project reach out to under-represented segments of the community?

By dint of their lack of money, low income people are the most disenfranchised by the current campaign finance system in Minnesota. Even the system where state funds substitute for the first $50 in contributions is meaningless to a low income person who is struggling to pay for food and medicine this week and can't wait for a tax credit payment 3 or 4 months from now. And yet, these disenfranchised folks are the most dependent on the action of the campaign winners.

9. What is the potential for making this issue visible to a broader public? Why?

Very.