Resolution Opposing Taxpayer Financed Political Campaigns Exposed

The Resolution Opposing Taxpayer Financed Political Campaigns was adopted by ALEC's Public Safety and Elections Task Force on December 6, 2008, approved by the ALEC Board of Directors on January 14, 2009. ALEC has attempted to distance itself from this piece of legislation after the launch of ALECexposed.org in 2011, but it has done nothing to get it repealed in the states where it previously pushed for it to be made into law.

ALEC Resolution Text

WHEREAS, most public financing regimes provide additional taxpayer matching funds to qualifying candidates whose opponent chooses not to take public funds, thereby penalizing privately-funded candidates, campaigns, and their donors for exercising their rights of free speech and association; and,

WHEREAS, public financing regimes that restrict campaign contributions do not reduce the average expenditures of candidates and their campaigns, but do discourage or prevent independent citizen groups from speaking out; and,

WHEREAS, studies have shown that campaign contributions have no effect upon legislative behavior; and,

WHEREAS, research has shown that state public financing regimes have not removed the influence of special interest money; and,

WHEREAS, the incumbency rate has remained unaffected in states that have instituted public financing regimes;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) opposes taxpayer financed political campaigns.

Adopted by the Public Safety and Elections Task Force December 6, 2008.

Approved by the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Board of Directors January 14, 2009.