by Jenny Sherman

Created on: November 04, 2009   Last Updated: November 05, 2009

George W. Bush won the election. Or did he? Pundits could argue the ambiguous facts until another Bush is in the White House. It's true that in our nation's democracy, campaign corruption and illegalities exist, but they run at a relative minimum when compared to some of the world's other so-called elections.

Actually, it's what is written in U.S. Constitutional Campaign Law that may be serving us the most injustice. When it comes to campaign finance, a few big details demand a second look. It's no secret that the presidential candidate who spends the most money is the projected winner. This has almost always historically been the case.

Every four years the expenditures from both sides increase exponentially, begging the question, are we seeing the true candidates, or just a gilded version of a person with very heavy pockets?

The great Maya Angelou once said, "If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." So here are my proposals to amend the current campaign finance reform.

1) Limits to Media Exposure.

Advertising, as much as we hate to admit it, influences our regular decisions about what to eat, where to shop, and consequently, whom to vote for. So a talented, well-paid ad exec will beat a weaker one, regardless of the strength of the candidate who hired them. And the abolishment of the FECA law that once set limits on media advertising not only guarantees a flood of he-said she-said commercials into your living room, but the outcome commonly results in a one-sided fight.

Under the current law, he who spends more on the smarter media agency reaps the bounty. Which brings me to my second reform. The men behind the man.

2) All aspects of campaign earning and spending is non-profit.

Those who work for the potential leader better have faith in him, because under my reform they won't be in it for the money. They will be paid a living wage and nothing more, each and every one of them. This will help ensure an honest campaign run by people who believe in the work they do.

3) Revise laws involving PACs and corporate donations.

My friend Clay works for a large corporation in downtown San Francisco. According to Campaign Finance Law, his company can't contribute more than $5000 to one particular candidate. The company offered to donate a "bonus" of each employees paycheck to the candidate of his choice. But in meetings and around the office, there was a clear message of whom the company supported, and the pressure to donate

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