New campaign finance bill dumps Wisconsin ideals

Apparently, the ideas the state of Wisconsin have long stood for, are no longer necessary. That is the feeling of lawmakers who approved new campaign finance legislation which has been sent to Governor Walker. The current campaign finance law has an introduction which makes clear the importance of a government of the people, by the people and for the people. For example, the statute says “The legislature finds and declares that our democratic system of government can be maintained only if the electorate is informed.” That sentence is gone from the new statute. The current statute also reads, “Excessive spending on campaigns for public office jeopardizes the integrity of elections.” That sentence is also gone from the new bill. And the current statute says, “The state has a compelling interest in designing a system for fully disclosing contributions and disbursements made on behalf of every candidate for public office, and in placing reasonable limitations on such activities.” That sentence has also been scrapped. So it seems, according to lawmakers who voted for this backward bill, that Wisconsin no longer needs an informed election, integrity in elections, or disclosure. It seems in Wisconsin’s new version of democracy, the citizens of this state are being relegated to the role of spectators.