New Campaign Aims to Change Political Same-Old, Same-Old

In a recent press conference, OVEC’s Janet Fout announced that Citizens for Clean Elections was beginning their new grassroots campaign for Fair And Clean Elections. Its slogan is: "It’s time to change the FACE (Fair and Clean Elections) of West Virginia politics."

Carol Warren, WV Council of Churches.

Julie Archer, a research analyst for Mountain State Education and Research Foundation, which analyzes campaign contributions for PERC-WV, provided compelling arguments on behalf of Clean Elections in West Virginia, emphasizing that special interests dominate politics here.

Carol Warren, who spoke on behalf of the WV Council of Churches, voiced strong support for this Clean Elections system that provides greater participation for all people in the electoral process.

"We’re paying for it now anyway," Warren said of the cost of corporate-sponsored campaigns. "When candidates have to pay more attention to raising money than dealing with the issues, regular voters are limited to the process if not through votes then at least by access." Kris Wise, Charleston Daily Mail.

Maine State Legislator Chris O'Neil explains clean elections.

We appreciate the willingness of Rep. Chris O’Neil, a Maine state legislator, to speak about how Maine’s Clean Elections law has positively changed the manner in which legislators campaign and conduct state business in Maine since the enactment of this innovative system. (Mr. O’Neil was on hand during the interims to talk about Maine’s health care system.)

Now, he has to have dozens of small contributions from regular voters to qualify for the state campaign fund, and he can’t rely on big business to help pay for a win on Election Day. "Now, I have to go knock on my neighbors’ doors, tell them I’m a legislator and ask if they think I’ve done a good job," O’Neil said. "I have to get $5 from all of them and explain ‘You’re now vested in the system, and we’re partners in this process.’ It’s a lot better this way." Kris Wise, Charleston Daily Mail. 

Julie Archer, Mountain State Education and Research Foundation.

Also our gratitude goes to WV Delegates Bonnie Brown, Dan Foster and Rusty Webb, who spoke at our press conference, giving their support for public financing of elections in West Virginia (some legislative supporters like Senators Jon Hunter and Vic Sprouse and Del. John Doyle called to let us know that they were unable to attend because of the need to be in legislative interim meetings).

 To learn more about West Virginia’s Clean Elections bill, check out OVEC’s website – www.ohvec.org, then click on "Campaign Finance Reform."

You will find fact sheets, recent news, a copy of the proposed bill, updates, and other pertinent information regarding Fair And Clean Elections in West Virginia. If you have some time to spare or are just fed up with politics as usual and would like to be involved with this campaign contact Janet at (304) 522-0246 or e-mail at janet.ovec@gmail.com.