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POLITICAL CIVILITY ELEVATES ALL OF US
During the 34 years I have been involved in Boone County politics, we have seen a substantial decline in the civility of political dialogue – especially within the Missouri Legislature. But we’re not alone. Politics everywhere has become increasingly dependent upon personal attack to the exclusion of public policy discussion.
Many people blame this trend on the corrosive use of the huge amounts of money by candidates, even in minor races. If 2006 is any indication, the race for the 24th Legislative District — the position I seek — will likely again be the most expensive in Missouri legislative history.
A combined campaign coffer this large — more than $400,000 in 2006 –– is harmful because it allows the candidates to hire outside consultants, who –– with little personal knowledge of local circumstances and with even less personal accountability –– ruthlessly denigrate their opponents in an effort to put one more “X” in the win column for their political team. Our political system becomes a game — separated from the issues, separated from the candidates themselves, and totally separated from the people. The process itself overshadows the issues that matter most to voters. In the modern, dollar-driven campaign, we lose the direct, door-to-door contact with the candidate, the opportunity for voter input, and give-and-take with the candidate that both informs his or her positions and ultimately makes him or her a better legislator.
Some critics of the process fault the independent committees. These organizations make expenditures in support of or opposition to whomever they choose. Their campaign activity tends to be particularly offensive because the candidate can officially disclaim all responsibility for the actions of these outside forces.
No rational person can argue that these enormous expenditures are good for our political process. Nor can one reasonably contend that the independent committees add value to the elections between two candidates. However, hand-wringing is futile. The Supreme Court has ruled that money is speech. Under First Amendment protections, money will be allowed to flow, and the independents will be permitted to conduct their irresponsible campaigns without limit.
Both political parties blame the other, excusing their own flirtations with the dark side as a result of the need to respond; each believes its own campaign to be the victim rather than the aggressor. Suffice it to say that both parties are serious serial offenders.
That’s why I am committed to elevating this campaign — my campaign — to a higher level. I will knock on 10,000 doors by election day. I will use every form of modern technology — to get your advice, to listen to your ideas, issues, and concerns. I’ll be visible — in your community, at your meetings and events, and on your street. And when elected, I will not disappear from my district — because I need to continue my conversations with you if I am to represent your view.
I will no doubt be forced by my opponent to spend more money than anyone should on a state legislative race. The stakes are too high — and the needs are too urgent — to risk doing less. But I will be the one running my campaign — not outside consultants or hired hatchet-men. I will never level personal assaults against my opponent. I intend to elevate this race to one you can be proud of. I challenge Ed Robb to do the same.
Chris Kelly... Your Voice in Jefferson City
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