We value our free elections, “of, by, and for the people.” But political campaigns aren’t free of big costs for advertising, manpower, signs and other things that are legitimately involved as candidates try to get their message to the people.
But isn’t it disconcerting when we are reminded that campaigns cost millions of dollars?
Some preliminary cost reports for the elections coming in just a few days are shocking.
We are told that in just the past three months – separate from House of Representatives races – the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has raised a record $27 million.
That’s $6.4 million more than the comparable Republican committee.
The Democratic campaign fund committee for the House of Representatives campaign reported having $41.6 million in the bank – more than twice the cash reported by the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Of course, there is lots of other money floating around in varied campaign funds and the presidential contests.
Isn’t it sickening to think that money may decide our elections, put many politicians in office, and thus determine the policies that will take effect in our nation?