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I can pick up on Birdie's answer and finish the union question. There are several reasons they aren't included in the initiative.

First of all, unions, as a percentage give a relatively small amount in DC elections. Furthermore, Unions have not been utilizing the same loop holes that many corporate entities have to skirt campaign finance laws as they are written now (the most prominent example being Mr. Thompson's numerous LLCs). Generally they give in one lump sum to a candidate.

Unions also give through PACs, however this legislation would do nothing to prevent corporations from doing the same (for better or for worse).

The focus is trying to make the process more transparent.

As previous posters note, this actually brings us in-line with numerous other jurisdictions. It is important to note that in these jurisdictions, none have seen the emergence of anything resembling the SuperPACs we see post-Citizens United in the Presidential race.

I hope that helps address the question, Ward6voter.

by Kevin O'Connor on Mar 28, 2012 6:56 pm • link • report