Editor,

Arizona’s senior Senator, John McCain, has crusaded across America for the people and against the corrupting influence of money in politics. Repeatedly, he has said that the huge sums of money in modern politics corrupt the political process and exclude Americans from their government. He is correct. The Congress and the President seem unlikely to pass meaningful campaign reform because Washington craves money.

In this election year, candidates are forced to ask everyone for money, as the insatiable system grows larger. Before you donate, ask the candidates what they have accomplished. Before you donate, determine if the candidate will improve the system or merely perpetuate the gap between you and your government. As we deal with the collapse of Enron, many families and communities will suffer greatly.

Parents who trusted the 7th largest corporation have been repaid with betrayal. Children and communities will suffer. 71 Senators and 188 Representatives took money from Enron and its principals. The system is broken.

Defending the security of America, the freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution, and the communities across Arizona is worthwhile service. The all consuming pursuit of money in politics is not a worthwhile task. The money chase in politics is malicious; it fosters incompetence and promotes arrogance. Both parties evaluate campaigns in terms of money.

Candidates dedicate substantial time to fundraising rather than developing plans to serve the people. Informed voters who refuse to accept the hit and run politics of headline advertising can make a difference.

Some have long believed that money is the mother’s milk of politics: it is also the poison that separates Americans from their government.

The answer is not alternative methods of funding, but rather a drastic reduction in the money needed to run. You are the answer. If you want a representative who will not abandon you and your concerns, trust someone you have seen in your community and who you know is accessible. Senator Russ Feingold, John McCain’s Democraticco-sponsor, did it by refusing soft money. Arizona has the opportunity in 2002 to endorse Senator McCain’s crusade.

Support only those who have demonstrated a commitment to the belief that less is better in Arizona politics. Together, we will improve our politics and return our government to Arizona’s citizens.

Roger Hartstone

U.S. Congressional Candidate

District 1

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