Friends,

Democracy in America has a cancer - government bought by lobbyists, who use

campaign donations and perks to "purchase" legislation desired by their

well-heeled and corporate clients - sometimes even writing legislation only

hours before legislators must vote.

As Bill Moyers wrote recently, our public representatives, the holders of our

trust, need huge sums to finance their campaigns ... and men and women who have

mastered the money game have taken advantage of that weakness in our democracy

to systematically sell it off to the highest bidders.

If we don't support ways to get power back into the hands of the people, we

won't make progress on any other item important to us; at it's worst, democracy

in America will die.

We need full public financing of elections - so that candidates who represent

the people can afford to run, and so that once in office, elected

representatives need not kowtow to Big Money lobbyists for fear of losing

campaign contributions. This won't solve all of our problems, but it will go a

long way to breaking the link between big donors and public officials and to

restoring democracy to the people. It is a "shape of the ballfield" issue -

fundamental to any other progressive policy agenda we have.

Moyers points out, there no victimless crimes in politics. The cost of

corruption is passed on to us. When governments fall under the thumb of the

powerful and privileged, regular folks get squashed.

Today the public may support such broad social goals as affordable medical

coverage for all, decent wages for working people, safe working conditions, a

secure retirement, and clean air and water - but there is no government "of, by,

and for the people" to deliver on those aspirations. Instead, elections are

bought out from under us and our public officials do the bidding of mercenaries.

There is hope.

By citizen initiative, Arizona and Maine now offer full public financing of

statewide and legislative campaigns. Last December, Connecticut banned campaign

contributions from lobbyists and adopted public financing for statewide races.

We can do it here!

In our state, Washington Public Campaigns is mounting a drive for public

financing of all election campaigns.

I have decided to join the board and put personal funds, time and energy into

the effort, through public speaking and education, and possibly a statewide

initiative drive.

If you are concerned about this issue, and can provide support - as a donor, as

a volunteer, or through networking contacts - your help is needed and

appreciated.

Washington Public Campaigns desperately needs funds for voter education and to

mount a successful campaign for change. Non-deductible contributions are

urgently needed - to support lobbying efforts for public financing. Make a

contribution via the website www.washclean.org, or Send contributions to:

Washington Public Campaigns, PO Box 45088, Seattle, WA 98145-0088

Tax-deductible contributions can be made to: Institute for Washington's

Future, mailed to: Institute for Washington's Future, 419 Occidental Ave S.,

#206, Seattle, WA 98104 Make sure you write "WPC" on the memo line of your

check - these funds can only be used for education, not political action. >

Speakers need you to create opportunities for presentations. If you belong

to a group, or have a suggestion for a speaking opportunity, please let me

know. > We need endorsements from groups, and we'd like your help to urge

local jurisdictions to pass resolutions, favoring public financing of

campaigns at all levels.

Please help - as a contributor, as an informed voter, perhaps as a volunteer -

please contact me.

For more information, check out these websites:

www.washclean.org www.publicampaign.org

Thank you!