Portland taxpayers to pay for campaigns

http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_051905_politics_city_campaigns.28cb20707.html

Portland taxpayers to pay for campaigns

07:00 AM PDT on Thursday, May 19, 2005

Associated Press

Portland has become the first U.S city to provide municipal candidates with all the money they should need to run for office.

By a 4-1 vote, the Portland City Council agreed Wednesday to give mayoral candidates $200,000 in taxpayer money for primary campaigns and $250,000 for runoffs. To participate, candidates must collect $5 checks from 1,500 people.

Candidates for city commissioner and auditor need $5 donations from 1,000 people to receive $150,000 for primaries and $200,000 for general elections.

The money would be available starting with the 2006 election. It can't be used to travel outside Oregon or to fund a host of personal expenses. Candidates also can't donate public money to other campaigns.

Supporters say the idea will help those without deep pockets afford a run for office, and curb the influence of big money.

read on.....

they also don't allow any donations from anyone else