Katie Schlieper's blog

So Long!

Katie Schlieper — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:16:24 +0000

This is just a note to let you know this is my last post here at the Public Campaign blog. As of next week I'll be moving to a new organization. I've loved writing this blog and hope you've enjoyed reading it. I leave you in the very capable hands of the rest of the blogger team - keep up the fight for Fair and Clean Elections!

The Political Roots of the Financial Crisis

Katie Schlieper — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:37:17 +0000

From Professor Jay Mandle at Democracy Matters, this month's edition of Money on My Mind, a study of a pressing policy issue - the troubled economy - through the lens of money in politics. To read the essay click on "read more."

Cleaning Up

Katie Schlieper — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:53:28 +0000

Connecticut newspaper The Day comes out with a strong endorsement of the way the state's new Clean Elections program has changed campaigning, and candidates, in this year's election. Praising the reduced emphasis on fundraising and potential to see many more competitive races, the paper says Clean Elections is off to a great start.

Props to Arizona

Katie Schlieper — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:03:09 +0000

Arizona's ground-breaking Clean Elections program gets a talking up in both Ohio and Indiana. Mike Becker of the Arizona Clean Elections Institute explains why the state's public financing program would be a good model for Ohio to follow, in this Cleveland Plain Dealer article and an Indiana radio station covers testimony given in the state legislature on the merits of Clean Elections from Arizona legislators and Maine Clean Elections candidates as well.

Victory in California

Katie Schlieper — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:57:07 +0000

Well, this is quite a surprise. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has signed a bill authorizing a pilot Clean Elections program for candidates for Secretary of State. Following passage in the state legislature the bill had been sitting on his desk for quite a while. Activists around the state flooded the Governor's office with calls in support of the legislation.

Two Cents Too

Katie Schlieper — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:11:14 +0000

As Congress continues to debate bailout legislation and hear from banking and finance lobbyists left and right it's more important than ever that they hear from you about passing the Fair Elections Now Act and getting big special interest money out of politics. If you're planning to contribute to a candidate this year, be sure and add your two cents to show your support for Fair and Clean Elections.

Northern Stars

Katie Schlieper — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:21:51 +0000

The New Hampshire commission formed this summer to put together a proposal for full public financing of campaigns for the state has been working away and this article gives an update on where the proposal stands. Right now they're focusing in getting data on the cost of campaigning so they can make recommendations on the amount of funding candidates receive, and where that funding should come from.

Brain Trust

Katie Schlieper — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:46:12 +0000

Public Campaign got great seats at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference Brain Trust event in Washington, DC where a panel on the benefits of full public financing of campaigns hosted leaders from both the political and social justice spheres to talk about campaigning, empowering small donors, and turning the focus back to voters. Gotta say: one of the most inspiring events on Clean Elections I have ever attended.

Women on the Way Up

Katie Schlieper — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:13:20 +0000

Connecticut's new Clean Elections program is having a positive effect on the number of women candidates who have chosen to seek office so the Secretary of State is calling 2008 the Year of the Woman. One hundred and two women will seek a seat in the General Assembly this year, more than any previous year.

Maine Lessons

Katie Schlieper — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:12:45 +0000

Joe Frolik of the Cleveland Plain Dealer talks to Ethan Strimling, state Senator from Maine and Clean Elections candidate, about what he likes about Clean Elections as part of an article on efforts to bring a similar system to Ohio elections. It looks like the most likely avenue to introduce a public financing program in Ohio would be judicial elections.