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9 ,ry <br /> ..;;: <br /> - ----------------- <br /> rizi- <br /> �F�_� f <br /> %i W ... rl <br /> t more than $3 billion, the 2000 elections <br /> were the most expensive in U.S. history. <br /> with that kind of money flowing into <br /> political coffers, it's easy to lose faith that our <br /> democracy will ever truly be about voters instead <br /> of money. in e appearance of special interest dol- <br /> lars buying special favors is greater than ever, as <br /> wealthy, well-connected individuals of both <br /> political parties gather and give enormous sums <br /> of campaign cash. George W. Bush's "Pioneers" <br /> g <br /> led the way, each raising at least $100,000 for <br /> their candidate. Most people instinctively under- <br /> stand that under the terms of our campaign <br /> finance system they are priced out of real access <br /> and influence. <br /> E <br /> But in two states the 2000 elections offered <br /> ore than a g comer of hope. <br /> _ Maine <br /> d nstrated that com p campaign <br /> r 3 <br /> fiftoode reform can wok and make a meaningful <br /> i <br /> g <br /> dime in the politics of the 2 1 st century. <br /> In 2000 and Arizona put into prac t ce <br /> for the first tine, a system of campaign finance <br /> called "Clean Money, Clean Elections." The new <br /> system performed as its proponents had said it <br /> would. It lowered spending, reduced the <br /> influence of outside money, leveled the playing <br /> field, freed candidates' time and encouraged <br /> more people to run. <br /> nn <br /> n :,...... :. <br /> r <br />