San Jose city council's election commission will start hearings today on the potential for a public financing system for city elections - they've already done their research on public financing models nationwide. The San Jose Mercury News is excited by the possibility - and if you live in the area they are encouraging you to head to a hearing.  Portland, Oregon and Albuquerque, New Mexico have already adopted municipal public financing systems, and as the article states these city systems are proving grounds for even more progress at the state - and national - level. Go San Jose!