It's money that matters in political campaigns

I exceeded my healthy limit of 2020 election news and analysis the other day, but I want to offer one more comment, before stepping away from the topic (for at least a short time). 

A point that disturbs me about our current political landscape is the amount of money, special interest money in particular, involved in elections, even at the local level. 

I recently spent time reviewing the financial disclosure statements candidates for state representative in Illinois filed with state officials. I find the documents interesting, but sometimes a bit depressing. 

The documents indicate one candidate raised more than $1 million in direct financial contributions or through in-kind contributions from groups that paid for such things as campaign mailers, polls, or telephone calls to likely voters. 

Most of the money to this one candidate came from unions, attorneys, the Democrats' state party organization, current lawmakers, and longtime Speaker of the State House Michael Madigan, leader of the Illinois Democrats.

All of the contributions are legal, to the best of my knowledge, and I'm not suggesting any wrongdoing. However, I was surprised that a campaign for a state house seat (a two-year term) could raise about $1 million in special interest money. 

The Republican in the race raised about $42,000, mostly from business groups, including realtors. The Democrat won the election.

The difference in the amount of donations between the two campaigns seems ridiculous until you remember a Democrat is governor, the Democrats hold every statewide office, and Democrats have firm control of both chambers in the state legislature. In short, Democrats run the state of Illinois.

It often seems there is a disconnect between many of our elected leaders and the people they represent. I mean, is it possible for a politician to  accept piles of money from groups far removed from her district and still vote in a manner consistent with the best interests of the district's residents? 

Perhaps we'll find an answer during the next legislative session.

-- Thank you for reading. Your comments are always welcome.  KB