A Vote That Really Counts

Wealthy politicians are often accused of buying elections, but most actual voters don’t get a dime, a problem so scandalous it begs for solution, offered here as a public service.

When New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg got elected to a third term this month, a New York Times story later said he spent $174 per voter, about $102 million. If you voted for him, did you get any of that $174?

According to the Times, Mayor Bloomberg’s cost-per-vote was $112 in 2005 and a mere $99 in 2001, but if you’re a three-time Bloomberg voter, the total is $385 – you see any of that?

Sure, Mayor Mike is a billionaire and it was his own money, but why should it go to only the advertising guys and those political consultants?

Across the river in New Jersey, Governor Jon Corzine, another billionaire, spent lots of his own money on a senate seat, then on his first term as governor, finally spending more of his own money to lose out on a second term. The total estimated tab for the three ventures is around $122 million.

Since I live in New Jersey, I can testify that the ordinary voter didn’t see that cash, even to wave as it roared by.

Which brings us to a proposal to reform campaign finances, increase voter turnout and finally make the benefits of democracy tangible.  I call it the GAMBLE method (Gaming And Manipulation By Legal Enticement).

Under the GAMBLE method, anyone seeking public office would be allowed to spend whatever they wanted from whatever source, but all spending would have to be matched dollar-for-dollar by contributions to a VIP (Voter Incentive Purse). Here’s how it would work in a make-believe matchup of Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Corzine, using the amounts they are said to have spent on November’s decision:

VIP INCOME (millions)

Michael Bloomberg        $102

Jon Corzine                   $ 22.6

Total VIP                       $124.6

Now suppose one million went to the polls and Bloomberg won with 55 percent of the vote. Under GAMBLE, the 550,000 who voted for Bloomberg would be entitled to 55 percent of the VIP, or about $124.60 per voter. It wouldn’t be fair to shut Corzine voters out entirely from the benefits of democracy, so GAMBLE would award losing candidate voters half a share, $62.30.

Of course, there’s $28,035,000 left over, but that would cover the mechanics of getting checks to the voting public, plus other customary administrative costs. (Maybe even a school lunch or two, but let’s not make wild promises.)

Critics will charge that this encourages buying elections, but if you have to match every dollar you give to some guy with a beautiful suit and hideous soul with another buck to GAMBLE, even billionaires will tone it down.

Those who worry about declining voter turnout will be able to see near-100 percent turnouts when voters finally get something out of the deal besides higher taxes.

Even the political consultants and advertising gurus should rally behind GAMBLE, since it is certain protection against reform efforts that would abolish their income completely. There’s plenty to share, folks.

GAMBLE is a win-win for everyone in politics and deserves your support – call your elected representatives today!

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