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Maine’s constitution declares it clearly, “All power is inherent in the people; all free governments are founded in their authority and instituted for their benefit.” Thanks to Benjamin Kail for reminding us, in the June 15 BDN, how far we’ve drifted from that principle due in large part to big money in politics.
The numbers are staggering. This year alone, $500 million is expected to be poured into Maine political races. Nationwide, AdImpact projects $11.6 billion will be spent to influence who holds the reins of power in our government, with California at $979 million, Michigan at $852 million, Texas at $850 million, and Ohio at $749 million.
The groups behind these sums, Super PACs, billionaire megadonors, dark money organizations, and national party committees, generally represent a tiny fraction of the American electorate. Yet their money drowns out the voices of regular Mainers.
Fortunately, as the BDN article notes, there is a growing effort to change this. A constitutional amendment has been introduced in Congress. House Joint Resolution 191, introduced on June 3 by Rep. Tom Barrett of Michigan, would restore to Congress and states like Maine the authority to set reasonable limits on money in elections, overriding the U.S. Supreme Court decisions that created this mess. Twenty-five states, including Maine, have already passed resolutions in support of such an amendment, and momentum continues to build.
I believe any Mainer who believes that 250 years of self government is worth protecting should learn more about this amendment, and let our elected officials know we want them to do everything in their power to make sure it becomes a reality.
Bonnie Sammons
Belgrade