EditorialIndianapolis Star series on state government strikes nerve A recent investigative news series by the Indianapolis Star and News titled State House Sellout provoked quite a response from both the public and legislative operatives. Unfortunately for average citizens, legislators did not share their dismay and disgust for the political process that was portrayed in the news series.Rather, a large number of legislators and their apologists spent much of the last half of the 1996 General Assembly whining about the broad swipes taken in the articles and the unfair conclusions that were drawn from months and months of research. To paraphrase Shakespeare, we thinks they must protest too much.The series, which ran for six days in mid-February, documented the growing influence of big-money special interests in the legislative process, conflicts of interest involving several key lawmakers, legislators being punished by leadership for voting their conscience instead of with their political party, and political fund raising and contributions by lobbyists.Additionally, the final article outlined several suggestions for reforming our current flawed campaign finance laws and also requested responses from readers, calling for their ideas for campaign and lobbying reform. Interestingly, the Star/News received more responses from readers for this survey than for any other they have published. Overwhelmingly, the public supports comprehensive reform, such as voluntary spending limits coupled with public financing, and limits on contributions from PACs and individuals.To anyone who has spent time at the Indiana State House lobbying in the broad public interest, the Star series was, for the most part, right on target. Certainly Indiana has many responsible and honest legislators, but the system itself is ripe for scandal. There is simply too much money changing hands in the form of campaign contributions and lobbying gifts and perks.Perhaps the outcry from the legislature was provoked not because the Star series was slanted, but because it struck a nerve too close for legislators comfort levels.Kudos to the management and reporters responsible for the Star/News series. CAC appreciates the time and effort that went in to the articles, as well as the newspaper s continuing news reports on campaign finance reform and editorials in support of comprehensive reform. They are playing an important role in keeping this issue in front of the public.If the Indiana General Assembly wants relief from the bright spotlight that has been cast upon it, legislators should work over the summer via the Blue Ribbon Committee on Campaign Finance Reform to craft a comprehensive campaign finance and lobbying reform bill for introduction in 1997. And to further demonstrate their commitment to good government in Indiana, that should be the first bill passed in the legislature next year.Go to Campaign Finance Issues Index
| CAC Home Page
| Table of Contents | Issues Index |
|