As a four-time Clean Elections candidate, I can, without equivocation, say that financing my campaigns by collecting 250 $5 dollar contributions from my constituents allowed me the freedom to say no to lobbyists, and Big Money people--I didn't need their money.
Clean Elections advances government for the People, not corporations. Clean Elections promotes civic participation, especially among our historically disfranchised communities. I was beholden only to my constituents, no one else.
Arizona Voters passed this anti-corruption law as a shield to the corrupting influence of Big Money. Big Money people have tried unsuccessfully for over a decade to repeal Arizona’s voter approved anti-corruption law.
We should strengthen Clean Elections with new, stronger, anti-corruption laws, not repeal it.
Phil Lopes, Tucson
Former State Representative