Florida may be known as the “sunshine state”, but right now things are not looking sunny for the state’s partial public financing system. Florida State Senator Mike Haridopolos (R-Merritt Island) recently introduced legislation that would eliminate the Election Campaign Financing Act. The Act, which was instituted in 1987, provides small donor matching funds for gubernatorial and cabinet office candidates. Though only in place for these select offices, this law allows for some semblance of equality among voters, by reducing special interest influence. Fred Markham, Clean Elections Coordinator at the Space Coast Progressive Alliance, believes Sen. Haridopolos’ legislation is a mistake. Responding in Florida Today, Markham refutes Haridopolos’ arguments and points to the Act’s redeeming qualities.“It helps reduce special interest domination of elections and makes it possible for candidates to run who are not wealthy or bankrolled by wealthy clients.In a small way, the Florida Election Campaign Financing Act increases democracy by providing a voice for middle-class and poor voters.”Markham goes on to extol the virtues of public financing, and suggests that the system not be curtailed, but rather expanded to include the state legislature. Pointing to Maine, Arizona and Connecticut as successful models of Clean Elections, Markham argues that the Florida voters deserve more of a say in their government.“We can follow the example of Maine, Arizona, Connecticut and other states to fix this problem and return Florida government to the voters.These states have very successful public campaign financing programs, which have proved to be not an expense but a money maker because they no longer have to spend hugely to service the interests of the private contributors.”If you would like to help in Florida, check out the Space Coast Progressive Alliance Website.