Public Campaign is part of a coalition that just released a report, "Breaking Free with Fair Elections," in support of the Fair Elections Now Act introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Arlen Specter (R-PA). The Syracuse Post-Standard covers the release of the report, focusing on the contrast between campaign contributions from wealthy zip-codes, and those from less wealthy areas and the resulting distortion of the voices heard in Washington.

The Standard looks favorably on what public financing could mean for a more responsive legislative body both in terms of lawmakers being less beholden to wealthy interests and, freed of the perpetual money chase, having more time to do the work of representing their constituents in the nation's capitol:

There is no perfect system for financing campaigns, but some form of public financing surely is better than the current free-for-all, money-talks system. Several states, including Connecticut, Maine and Arizona - have public financing laws in place. Good government groups are seeking a similar law in New York - which badly needs it.