The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which allows for unlimited campaign spending by outside groups, has resulted in billions of dollars spent on races for federal offices and heightened public awareness of the issue.
This provides an opportunity for candidates at all levels of government to take a stance on campaign finance and create a discourse about spending.
Citizens United doesn’t affect spending in state and local races, but the issue of overwhelming spending transcends federal politics.
Politicians in Chapel Hill should make their positions on publicly financed elections known.
In order to receive public funds from Chapel Hill’s Voter-Owned Elections program, which is currently awaiting approval by the N.C. General Assembly, candidates must collect a certain amount of campaign funds through individual donors. This program has the potential to help those who have struggled to raise the necessary funds be competitive candidates.
This is a commendable way to combat the overarching influence of excessive spending.
But with some candidates’ viability dependent on campaign funding, incumbents or seasoned fundraisers might oppose such a program to fend off potential opponents.
Local candidates should make their views on campaign finance known to create a culture of accountability and accessibility in the face of expansive campaign spending.
