Money in Politics

            We’re in the midst of our biennial Fall fundraiser, so I’ve been thinking a lot about money in politics lately. Then, there’s also the dozens of email solicitations I get every day. It does seem like we get pestered constantly, and it gets tiresome. So I’m writing in part to convince you that giving to Clay County DFL makes you part of the solution, not part of the problem.

            Money obviously plays too big a role in our politics. If anything, it’s getting worse as the rich keep getting richer, and they have discovered that lavishing money on candidates has proved useful in getting richer still. The Trump administration has only highlighted how corrupting that influence has become, but all through the system politicians find that big-money donors expect their cash to buy them access and influence.

            As more and more money flows into campaigns, fundraising becomes an escalating arms race. Whether they like it or not, candidates get caught up in it, and we see Democrats who appear to be as beholden to their big donors as Republicans. The question is how do we break out of the cycle?

            Maybe it will take a constitutional amendment to overturn the disastrous consequences of the Citizens United decision, but that is an aspirational, long-term goal. Congress could possibly pass legislation to at least bring more transparency to “dark money” contributions, but that too doesn’t seem likely to happen any time soon.

            Many states have some kind of public financing available to encourage small donations and help candidates avoid the big-donor trap. Minnesota, notably, has the Political Contribution Refund (PCR) program that will refund up to $75 for individuals and $150 for couples, and I hope you take advantage of it. Candidates who receive enough small-donor contributions can then qualify for a grant from the state to help launch their candidacies. However, because of their limitations, relying on these programs can put candidates at a disadvantage against an opponent who goes after the big bucks.

            An interesting plan is afoot in Montana, of all places, to reform corporation law such that corporate charters would be redefined to prevent them from spending in elections. If proponents succeed in getting a ballot measure passed next year, even out-of-state corporations would be barred from contributing to state elections.

            In the meantime, the best way to counteract the influence of money in politics is through grassroots organizing. Neighbors talking to neighbors builds support and mobilizes voters, whether it’s knocking on doors, making phone calls, or just chatting over coffee at church or beers at the VFW. A sign in your yard tells your neighbors that you believe in a candidate. Zohran Mamdani is just the latest example of a candidate who beat the big money with a robust ground game.

            That’s why giving to Clay County DFL makes sense. Organizing at the grassroots and mobilizing voters is what we do. In that sense, giving to your local party unit is an antidote to the influence of the billionaires.

            Our fundraising drive continues through November 26. With a donation of $75, you can get your money back, and we’ll also give you a cool t-shirt proclaiming that we’re “Democrats for Democracy.” You can make your contribution at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/claydflfall2025.

Paul Harris