Elections for sale

Image via WikipediaMore money flows into New York special election – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs: "More money flows into New York special election
By: CNN's Gabriella Schwarz and Paul Steinhauser

Washington (CNN) - The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced a $250,000 TV ad buy Wednesday for the special election in New York's 26th district, according to a Democratic source, one day after the conservative group American Crossroads announced a $350,000 ad buy in the same district."

Common Sense recently noted that the US Supreme Court in its "money is speech" decision legitimized the sale of US elections. Here's a current example.

Some $600000 of big money from outside interest can only distort the election process in Common Sense's view. Neither the DNC or American Crossroads can vote in this election. Neither represents the 26th congressional district. Neither derives its principal funding from within the 26th district. Both seek to influence the election not in the interest of the voters in the 26th district but in the interest of others.

In a representative democracy it is essential that elected representatives actually reflect the views of their constituents. That's just common sense. By allowing large sums of money from outside the district to distort the election the Supreme Court effectively legitimized the sale of elections. Does anyone really believe that a representative who owes his election to outside big money interest actually has the best interest of the electorate in mind? Surely not Common Sense!

It's time to get serious about election reform. To insure that elections aren't for sale. To insure that elected representatives actually represent their electorate. That's just common sense.