In the recent Supreme Court case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court of the United States opened the floodgates to corporate campaign financing. While I believe this opinion will have a negative effect on national elections as it will allow domestic and foreign corporations and special interest groups to funnel unlimited amounts of funds into negative campaigning and propaganda, it is important for the voting public to recognize that it still has the power of the vote.
Specifically, concerned citizens and voters can conduct their own research regarding the campaign finances of any elected official. This is more practical and effective on a local level where one can contact the Florida Division of Elections to research campaign financing for any particular candidate running for State office.
Florida campaign finance laws require quarterly reporting of campaign finances. I am running for District 7 House of Representatives which runs from Destin to Tallahassee over nine counties. The concerned citizens of District 7 need to be aware of where the campaign contributions are coming from for the two candidates currently announced for the election in November, 2010.
My opponent, Marti Coley, has raised, according to a Northwest Florida Daily News article on January 24, 2010, $36,950.00 as of January 1, 2010. Only 2% of her $36,950.00 was raised within District 7. Accordingly, 98% of her financial contributions are from outside District 7. In addition, much of her campaign financing comes from political action committees and corporations outside of the District.
I am proud of the fact that 75% of my contributors reside within District 7. My contributions are from individuals, the majority of which live and work in District 7.
My opponent, who supports near-shore oil drilling along the Panhandle, has accepted money from lobbyists for the Texas oil industry. I have not and will never accept contributions from the oil industry or anyone supporting near-shore oil drilling in Florida State waters.
Voters have power. I urge the voters of District 7 to do their research and be well-informed about the candidates and what money is being paid into their campaign accounts and from what sources. An educated voter is the best voter. Above all else, be sure to vote in the election next November.
Visit www.electdavidpleat.com for more information.
Come meet and learn more about John McDonald, Democratic Candidate for Florida State Representative, District 6.
