Fair Elections?

     Governor Cuomo has suggested reform of campaign financing in New York State.
     "Implement a public financing system based on New York City. It works well in New York City, it'll work well in New York State," said Governor Cuomo.
     Governor Cuomo's remedy for the current corrupting system is called Fair Elections, in which candidates get public matching funds for small donations.
     Since the Supreme Court ruled for Citizens United on the basis of the First Amendment, a massive infusion of secret unlimited donations has been channeled to super PACs.
     Some questions arise. Under Governor Cuomo's proposal, who will distribute the matching funds and what are the rules? What about the continued use of large secret donations by candidates who refuse to accept expenditure limits and enhanced disclosure? Will union donations be on a par with corporate donations and donations by wealthy individuals?
     See article United We Donate at the Albany Times Union, Brennan Center--NYC small donor matching funds, and Fair Elections for New York.
     Another useful website is Rootstrikers and Lawrence Lessig's pitch for the American Anti-Corruption Act and other campaign finance reforms.
     The "fiscal cliff" bill has specific sections with generous benefits for corporate campaign contributors. Read Boston Globe--fiscal cliff bill benefits Amgen and NYTimes--big Senate gift to drug maker.