A May 6 donation request letter from U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan said, “We just learned that Mitch McConnell’s super PAC plans to spend $141 million to flip the Senate red.” One-third of the Senate is up for election; therefore, this money alone is over $4 million per candidate. A typical senator who is not in a special category earns around $1.2 million for six years in office.
Sen. Orrin Hatch put about $10 million into his 2012 race, earning $174,000 in salary. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy raised $31.5 million in the first quarter of 2022. Several years ago, U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster raised $3 million for her campaign. She was criticized for going out of state for money, but as she said, New Hampshire is so small, one has to go out of state in order to have the money it takes to run for office.
It is time for campaign finance reform. Someone besides media is earning money off political races. Money is spent so favors and bills will be passed for the benefit of donors, and lobbyists will be granted the ear of politicians. It is time to stop the financial influence of outsiders on our elected politicians and their work that is supposed to be for our benefit.
It is inconceivable looking at the vast amount of finances required to run for political office, yet pay is little compared to getting there. We know the little man or little woman has a minor chance to climb up the political ladder without big money backing them. Ordinary citizens are asked to keep donating our funds in order for candidates to compete for office. Each election escalates in financial cost; how long can this process continue until we all falter?
Kath Allen
Peterborough