White House 'strongly opposes' GOP bill to dismantle system of campaign financing

[cal04]

Source: CNN

A Republican-backed bill to halt public financing of presidential campaigns and conventions is coming under fire from the White House.

In a strongly worded statement, the Office of Management and Budget said the House bill, known as H.R. 359, would "expand the power of corporations and special interests in the nation's elections," and that it would "force candidates into an endless cycle of fundraising at the expense of engagement with voters on the issues."

"The administration strongly opposes (the bill)."

The current system was put in place in the wake of the Watergate scandal as a way to avoid private influence in the public process. It took the pressure off qualified presidential candidates by giving them the option of accepting matching funds and grants.

Read more: http://whitehouse.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/25/wh-strongly-opposes-gop-bill-to-dismantle-system-of-campaign-financing/

[bluestateguy]

1. Neither side is going to use that money next year anyway

Obama will raise 1-1.5 billion for 2012 and the GOP nominee will be able to rely on Citizens United money.

[alp227]

2. Good for the admin for taking a stand.

I think Obama condemned the Citizens United decision during last year's SOTU.