Campaign finance disclosure is good reform
The veteran op-ed columnist James J. Kilpatrick used to say that laws, regulations and court rulings that violate people’s basic common sense and notion of fairness fail the “sitwell test.” That is, even if they can’t legally dissect the annoyance, most citizens feel such measures just don’t sit well with them. And so, the status quo of freewheeling spending on election campaigns doesn’t pass the “sitwell test” here in Pennsylvania. It was good news … then, that a bill introduced by Rep. Robert Freeman, the Democrat from Easton, is making progress in the state House. Mr. Freeman’s bill would add a requirement for candidates to file campaign finance reports six weeks before an election. They now must make those disclosures about 10 days ahead of voting. It makes sense, Mr. Freeman reasons, to require the information sooner, and he’s right.
Keeping in mind that there is little interest in Harrisburg in capping campaign donations – more on that in a bit – providing voters information about where campaign money comes from is a good idea. If the ultimate issue is whether money influences or buys access to office holders, knowing who has stepped up with his or her checkbook is important. Getting those details earlier in a campaign enables voters to ask questions and candidates to explain. And, if the donations become part of the campaign debate – well, it’s all good, clean fun.
As Mr. Freeman himself notes, this bill is a short step on a long journey. Gov. Ed Rendell, Speaker of the House Dennis O’Brien, R-Philadelphia, and other leaders have supported campaign finance reform, including limits on donations and public financing of statewide races. Local governments too – Philadelphia, Bethlehem and Northampton County – have discussed adding caps on donations in campaigns for their respective offices. We think the intent of those local measures is good, but statewide reforms are more manageable and therefore a better system.
Considering the agenda facing the Legislature before the end of June, big reforms like public financing and statewide donation caps are long shots. Rep. Freeman’s bill would add a measure of disclosure, thereby honoring the public’s right to know about those who hold office. And, the Harrisburg insiders say, it’s politically doable. The Legislature should pass this modest reform.