Candidate Responses to Citizens for Clean Elections
Survey on the WV Public Campaign Financing Act

Citizens for Clean Elections recently sent a survey to candidates for Governor and Secretary of State asking, "The West Virginia Public Campaign Financing Act proposes to set up an alternative, voluntary system for funding state-level political campaigns for candidates who pledge to no longer raise campaign contributions from private sources and agree to limit their spending. Instead they would use public funding to run a viable campaign similar to election reforms passed in Arizona and Maine. Would you support such a system?" (See the candidates written responses below.)

The four of the Democratic candidates for secretary of state who responded to the questionnaire - Donna Accord, George Daugherty, Ken Hechler and Natalie Tennant - said they would support such a system, as did Republican Betty Ireland. Democrats Larry Bailey, Mike Oliverio and Roger Pritt did not respond.

The coalition also received favorable responses from most of the gubernatorial candidates that responded to the survey. Although more Democratic candidates responded than Republicans the reform has support of candidates from both parties. Democrats Joe Manchin, Jim Lees, Lou Davis, Lacy Wright and Phillip "Icky" Frye all voiced their support for Clean Elections, along with Republicans Richie Robb and James Radcliff. The only candidate responding to the group's survey that said they would not support Clean Election reform was Libertarian Simon McClure. Democrats Lloyd Jackson and Jerry Baker did not respond, nor did Republicans Carroll Bowden, Rob Capehart, Larry Faircloth, Doug McKinney, Dan Moore, Joseph Oliverio, Charles Railey and Monty Warner.

Written Responses from Candidates regarding Clean Elections

Secretary of State

Donna J. Accord-Democrat: Yes. "…Some candidates accept campaign contributions from special interest people who always expect something in return. In the 2000 General Election only ½ of 1% of West Virginians donated to a political candidate, the big money of the few decided which candidate would run for and win a public office. Money in West Virginia buys name recognition, but it also buys influence, access to public officials and in some cases buys Political Office in West Virginia…need I say more… I'm the only Secretary of State candidate on record supporting Clean Elections and Campaign Spending Limits!"

George Daugherty-Democrat: Yes. His wife, Suzanne W. Daugherty wrote in reply, "This is very interesting to us as George proceeds down the road with his bid for Secretary of State and encounters rival candidates who are spending close to a million dollars on this campaign."

Dr. Ken Hechler-Democrat: Yes. In 2004, I am spending well over $400,000, like Senator Russ Feingold who is spending 2-3 million dollars in his re-election campaign. He cannot fight for campaign finance reform in the future if he is defeated by the present campaign rules. I will definitely fight for the West Virginia Public Campaign Financing Act after I am elected."

Natalie Tennant-Democrat: Yes. Please tell me how I can help now. When I am Secretary of State I will work toward it.

Betty Ireland-Republican: Yes. "It appears that politics in America has degenerated into sound bites and multi-million dollar media campaigns. To the extent a voluntary system could level the playing field for all candidates, I would support it. Realistically an incumbent candidate prospers by campaign spending limits, but I'd love to see the results in Arizona and Maine happen in West Virginia. Unfortunately, the default to state financing would be an unreasonable demand on our state's already shaky financial condition."

Candidates for Governor

Richie Robb-Republican: Yes. "I prefer a system limiting contributions to candidates to $100 per individual donor. Additionally donors would be allowed a state tax exemption of a $100 maximum for their donations. However as a member of the Citizens for Clean Elections, I also support this concept including judicial elections as a "foot in the door."

James D. Radcliff, Jr.-Republican: Yes. "My campaign is based on taking state government from the special interest and returning it to the working men and women."

Dr. Simon McClure, M.D.-Libertarian: No. "As a challenger for governor's race, I do not have the government resources or subservient media or special interests behind me and I will not be hobbled or handicapped by this Act."

Lacy Wright, Jr.-Democrat: Yes. "I wish it were possible."

Joe Manchin-Democrat: Yes. (no additional comments)

Louis Davis-Democrat: Yes. "God bless you all. This is what this state really needs! It would be great to get qualified people in office instead of people why buy the position."

Phillip "Icky" Frye-Democrat: Yes. "I was cut from the Associated Press debate due to my financial report."

Jim Lees - Democrat: Yes. "I fully support this reform. I am the only Democrat in the gubernatorial race to sign the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. Neither Joe Manchin nor Lloyd Jackson have signed the code. I believe special interest money has thoroughly corrupted the political process and I would love to see a system as you describe in place."