The Fair Elections Now Coalition has released a memo on the Blagojevich scandal and what lawmakers should do to restore voter confidence. While these charges lay squarely at the governor's front door,  the pressure in the current system to raise as much money as possible can be corrupting.  The frank assessment by some observers ought to be a wake up call for Americans: Some of the allegations against Blagojevich are not that different than what happens in state capitals and in Washington, D.C. every day with elected officials seeking donations from those who have something to gain from government decisions and handouts. Blagojevich just said it out loud and while being taped.Pats on the back and sweetheart deals happen every day in Washington, D.C. and statehouses. They just don't get caught. What's needed is comprehensive reform of our pay-to-play system: full public financing of elections.These systems – often called “Clean Elections” – have been successful, and are popular with voters and candidates alike. Under these programs, candidates qualify for a grant to pay for their campaign if they raise a large number of small donations. Candidates agree to take no large contributions and agree not spend their own money in exchange for the grant. We need to change the way politics work. Voters have had enough. Unfortunately, politicians like Blagojevich thrive under our current system where shakedowns for campaign cash result in favorable policies and appointments for those who can afford to give. But it is not just the apple that’s rotten. To paraphrase Blagojevich, it’s the whole [expletive] barrel. The American public has had enough. It’s time to pass and implement Clean Elections programs at both the state and federal level and allow our elected officials to do their jobs free from the corrupting campaign money chase.