If we ever want a system where voters and issues matter more than money, we have to push through a judicial bill this session. So that in coming years, our public will see that public financing works. Arizona does it. So does Maine. North Carolina does it for judicial races - and in all these states, it works, and it's
popular. Why not Washington?

Call your Washington State Legislator at 1-800-562-6000 or email them and tell them to support HB 1186. 

Six things to know about this bill as provided by our friends at Washington Public Campaigns:

1. The judicial bill (HB 1186) now crafted as a compromise between the Governor's office and House sponsors is a good bill - especially with the latest revisions. This program can work - to remove our courts from the corrosive influence of private special-interest money. Let's enact it into law - this year!

2. We support the provision - in the bill - of state funding for a Voters Pamphlet for the primary election. It helps to level the playing field, and gives voters needed information.

3. We support robust matching funds - provided in the bill - to offset and probably curtail independent expenditures by private money, supporting or opposing a candidate.

4. The Governor's proposal, a 6-year pilot program, funded for now with $4.5 million in state general fund monies - a pittance, really! - is affordable and reasonable for what we get: A program to keep our courts independent and above the fray of private money seeking to shape the judiciary to their interests.

5. In sum: This is a good bill, carefully crafted. It will work. Now that the bugs are out, let's enact this proposal into law - and let's do it this year!

6. NOTE: Proposed restrictions have been removed, on use of general treasury funds for independent expenditures. Proposed limitations on contributions for IE's have similarly been dropped - to remove the possibility of a floor fight over those proposals. The result is a bill we can defend and be proud of!

Read this great article from Jim Hightower abut the importance of public campaign financing.