9 of 23

No

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

financial contribution to that candidate's campaign. This has yet to be seen, yet at least one candidate has received over a million dollars from the federal and state government for the 2008 Presidential race - query.nictusa.com/pres/2007/q3 1/coo4315691/B_payee

When government agencies donate money to a candidate's campaign, it also creates conflict of interest issues, for the following reasons:

- The candidate will undoubtedly be expected at some point, especially if elected, to deliver or pay-back the favor to the donor entity. And how would this be done? Most likely, by the candidate developing or promoting a policy, whether or not this is openly announced when running or fails to be disclosed - that is in tune with the donor government agency's wishes, goals. For example, if the donor agency is the IRS, and the candidate who receives a financial contribution from the IRS, then becomes elected and raises taxes - one might then deduce that the IRS ultimately benefited from their contribution to the candidate who was running for office. But do the American people benefit?

- Similarly, if the candidate running for president has received any significant amounts of money from any pharmaceutical company; or healthcare group or organization - or, has the promise of a contract or an already signed contract or agreement with such in place, and that same candidate is running heavily on a healthcare issue that promotes universal coverage and that same healthcare entity also has a contract with any government entity - then this too is also a conflict of interest, albeit, indirectly, where the government benefits from the donor relationship between the healthcare entity and the candidate. Namely, that once elected, government then enforces the healthcare program and the American Public is made to comply with the policy or objectives of that healthcare entity, undoubtedly against many Americans' interest and wishes. Even more so if taxes are then raised in any significant manner, (in which case the government benefits more), in order to buy into the healthcare agenda that the American public will have to pay for. But is this fair to the American public?

- Further, if the candidate is an attorney and has taken money from any government agency, that especially can be a conflict of interest - especially if and when the candidate's policy, if elected, would benefit that campaign donor government agency. The candidate, as with all politicians and government employees and entities,

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Should the US government help fund election campaigns??
We want to hear your view. Write now!