'Small donor' idea could boost democracy

This gubernatorial election is one for the record books. With less than three weeks left until Election Day, Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican challenger Bruce Rauner have combined to raise more than $50 million, by far the largest sum in state history.

Including enormous independent expenditures by super PACs and other outside groups, the total cost of this election will be epic, and for some, very worrisome.

The candidates may also set a record for the least substantive conversation in state history. While we are bombarded by a seemingly unlimited supply of attack ads, the candidates rarely talk to voters about meaningful distinctions between them and their policy agendas.

Gov. Quinn and Mr. Rauner, where do you stand on the issues that matter to Illinois families? What are your views on jobs, education reform, and health care? The voters need you to answer these critical questions so that we can make an informed decision on Nov. 4.

In the meantime, while the candidates remain reticent, The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR) and other reform groups are launching an initiative to encourage meaningful discourse by reducing the influence of big money in politics.

They hope to increase the impact of small money, to create a Small Donor Democracy. Small Donor Democracy is a system in which candidates who reach a certain level of funding from small contributions become eligible for matching public funds - typically at a ratio that increases the impact of those small donations.

By implementing Small Donor Democracy in Illinois communities, we can promote greater citizen engagement, expand the diversity of candidates, encourage meaningful policy discussions, and call for leaders who are beholden to constituents rather than deep-pocket donors.

Susan Garrett

Lake Forest