The Utica Observer-Dispatch printed their second editorial in as many months about campaign finance reform today. In their first editorial, the OD wrote about the merits of a public financing of elections system:

Panhandling to lobbyists and others is a good way to raise money for re-election campaigns because “guests” are all too willing to fork over tidy sums if they think it’ll buy some influence. It’s a dirty way to do business, and certainly not in the public’s best interest.

We agree.

In today’s piece, the editorial staff argues that its time for this state’s legislative leaders to stand up and act on the promises they’ve been making:

Now that Democrats are in charge in the Senate, Assembly and governor’s office, they have the perfect opportunity to make good on what they cried for when they were in the minority.

This, along with Newsday’s March editorial, indicates a shift in the conversation and the reality of public policy here in New York. Questions about feasibility are dismissed by successes in Maine, Arizona, Connecticut, and the 13 other states with publicly financed elections. Questions about cost are insincere given that public financing of elections will cost each tax payer $1.50 per year (I’ll volunteer to pay  the share of five people if that helps…). Questions about support. Ah, we’ll there is the real question.

Actually, that’s not a problem either. In fact, 74% of New Yorkers support public financing of elections.

Now the time to stop the games. New York needs real campaign finance reform now.

Do something about it: click here to send a message to your State Senator now.