Clean Money statutes?

[TechBear_Seattle]

I am looking for references on state laws that set up "clean money" programs. Links to the specific statutes would be most appreciated.

"Clean money" is a type of public financing for political candidates. Basically, candidates reject donations from individuals over a certain amount (much lower than what is allowed otherwise) and donations from non-persons such as corporations and special interest groups. In exchange, they are given money by the state to pay for their campaign. The idea is curtail the buying of elections and to encourage people who are not rich (or kowtowing to the rich) to run for office.

Thanks for any help you can give. :hi:

[Geoff R. Casavant]

1. I think Arizona has laws like this

A trip to your local law library will be your best bet.

[MaineDem]

2. Maine has a Clean Election law

I'll find the link for you.

The Maine Clean Election Act

The Maine Clean Election Act (MCEA) established a voluntary program of full public financing of political campaigns for candidates running for Governor, State Senator, and State Representative. Maine voters passed the MCEA as a citizen initiative in 1996. Candidates who choose to participate may accept very limited private contributions at the beginning of their campaigns (seed money contributions). To become eligible, candidates must demonstrate community support through collecting a minimum number of $5 checks or money orders payable to the Maine Clean Election Fund (qualifying contributions). After a candidate begins to receive MCEA funds from the State, he or she cannot accept private contributions, and almost all goods and services received must be paid for with MCEA funds.

Here it is: http://www.state.me.us/ethics/MCEA.htm

[Eugene]

3. Maine Clean Elections Law

Maine Clean Elections Law - http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/21-A/title21-Ach14sec0.html

Voters in Massachusetts passed a Clean Elections Law but the Legislature repealed it.
Here's a link to the former Mass. law: http://www.mass.gov/ocpf/chap55/55a.htm

EDIT: wrong link for Mass.

[TechBear_Seattle]

4. Many thanks!

I found a group working on a similar project for Washington, so I will be contacting them soon.

http://www.washclean.org