Byron Williams, a pastor in Oakland a board member of the California Clean Money Campaign writes up his experience moderating a panel discussion on the relationship between California health care policy, and the campaign donation clout of HMOs.

He illustrates the problem that "[o]utside of perhaps medical insurance companies, few would argue that our current health care system, at all levels, is broken. While corrective measures are needed, it seems to be an arduous task for elected officials to agree on minimal reform measures, let alone fundamental change." Though not unique to the issue of health care, the influence of campaign contributions is particularly acute here, as well as relatively easy to track.

Williams is decidedly in the Clean Elections camp and asks more Californians to join him:

Just as every piece of legislation in Sacramento, regardless of the issue, must make its way through the Ways and Means Committee, the influence of money on policy can be equally pervasive on the final product. The issue du jour is secondary. It doesn't matter if it is health care, prison reform, education or infrastructure improvements — money plays a role. And it is not unbiased.

But it is up to the people of California to provide its elected officials the option of turning away from the campaign trough. Otherwise, it will be business as usual and the bipartisan coalition paying to maintain the status quo will continue to hold worthwhile reform efforts hostage.