While not the most ringing endorsement of Tom Vilsack I've ever read, this editorial by Rob Poggenklass in Iowa's West Branch Times does point out the absurdity of him being dubbed a failure in the presidential race for having raised "only" a million dollars. Poggenklass lays out (broadly) the arguments for and against the "wealth primary" and concludes public financing is the way to go in the end.  In addition to concluding that, whatever the merits of a "free market" argument, public financing of elections is the best policy for country, Poggenklass comes down hard against apathy on the part of voters who don't get engaged in elections and government. Perhaps a public financing system -- which would bring candidates out of fundraising events and into the town square -- offers the best opportunity to bring people back to politics. If your voice and your vote are asked for -- and not just on election day -- perhaps you'll have more incentive to get involved.