Money & Influence: Can Self-Financed Candidates Claim to Be Independent?
With a recent Supreme Court decision unleashing unlimited corporate cash into elections, the public is even more wary of the role of special interests in our democratic processes. A recent poll commissioned by Common Cause, Moveon, and Public Campaign action reveals that 87% of voters across the country and across the political spectrum are concerned about the influence of money in politics.
While non-self financed candidates need to spend the bulk of their waking hours raising money to fund their campaigns, billionaires like Meg Whitman have less pressure. Sure, she could be accused of "buying" the governorship if she were to win. But does the absence of this fundraising pressure allow her to label herself as more independent of special interests?
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