Eliminating refund program will hit third parties hardest

By Sally Paulsen

Last update: June 29, 2009 - 5:12 PM

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Then-candidate for the U.S. House Dean Barkley pointed out in 1992, and continues to make his point, that the government cannot continue to spend money it doesn't have without bringing in the revenue to back it up.

And legislators whose campaign coffers continue to be filled by the special interests whose lobby fully intends to influence legislation cannot possibly appropriate money cleanly. Until real campaign finance reform comes along that prohibits special interests from financing campaigns, how are Democrats and Republicans expected to responsibly enact legislation in the best interest of the people of Minnesota?

The political contribution refund (PCR) program was an easy hit. The elimination of $10 million in public money refunded to individual donors to a candidate or party with a rebate of $50 or $100 per couple certainly isn't going to make or break the two major parties, especially in next year's governor's race. PACs and other associations can pick up the slack. Democrats and Republicans are already lining up for their endorsements and -- most important -- their contributions.

With the economy as dismal and slow in recovery as it is, the individual donor isn't as likely to contribute to a campaign or a party without getting something in return. Incentive to do so now without the program is even less likely.

We're sorry to see the PCR program go. We in the Independence Party would have preferred a balanced budget with new revenue. Once again, Democrats and Republicans couldn't get the job done. And once again they're making it harder for candidates with better solutions and ability for real compromise from other parties to campaign effectively on a level-playing field.

Candidates for the Independence Party as policy do not accept contributions from PACs, associations or special-interest lobbies. The elimination of the PCR program is likened to cutting off both arms of "the black knight."

But understand, we in the IP still have our legs, and we're still kicking.

It's time for real change. And while you still have time -- today is the day when the PCR program expires -- so make your voice heard.

SALLY PAULSEN, ARDEN HILLS; TREASURER, INDEPENDENCE PARTY OF MINNESOTA

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