Tonio
Asperger's Poster Child
More than any other politician, she represents the best argument for public financing of political campaigns. (Or at the very least, a great reason why the FCC should require that broadcast TV and cable set aside free time for candidates.)
After eight years as lieutenant governor, Marylanders still know virtually nothing about her politics or her achievements. All we know is that she is Bobby Kennedy's daughter.
She has managed to raise millions without any kind of public campaign. I don't think it was as simple as flying up to the Kennedy compound to pick up a suitcase of money, of course. But she has the Kennedy mystique and Kennedy connections at her disposal.
I don't know if publicly financed campaigns are the answer. I don't know if non-consecutive terms (like Virginia's governor) are the answer. I do know that as a nonaligned voter, it's outrageous that money and connections matter more in elections than the will of the people.
After eight years as lieutenant governor, Marylanders still know virtually nothing about her politics or her achievements. All we know is that she is Bobby Kennedy's daughter.
She has managed to raise millions without any kind of public campaign. I don't think it was as simple as flying up to the Kennedy compound to pick up a suitcase of money, of course. But she has the Kennedy mystique and Kennedy connections at her disposal.
I don't know if publicly financed campaigns are the answer. I don't know if non-consecutive terms (like Virginia's governor) are the answer. I do know that as a nonaligned voter, it's outrageous that money and connections matter more in elections than the will of the people.