To the disappointment of dozens, former Louisiana Governor, Charles ‘Buddy’ Roemer, has suspended his campaign for president. Roemer, whose principled stand on PAC money and corporate donors doomed his campaign from the outset, is something of a ‘free agent’ in regards to party affiliation. In this past he’s served in congress as both a Republican and Democrat; his 2012 presidential campaign saw him seek nomination with the Republican Party, Reform Party and Americans Elect, respectively.
Although most people who are surprised by this news, are surprised that he was still running, Roemer’s invisibility in the 2012 presidential race at least partially illustrates the need for campaign finance reform. From his website:
98% of the electorate does not give a penny to presidential or congressional campaigns. The money comes from Wall Street banks, corporate PACs, the labor union coffers, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, Big Oil, military defense contractors, miscellaneous PACs, Super PACs and the lobbyists. The money comes from all of these special interests, and what do they get in return? “Too big to fail” and the death of Glass-Steagall, insurance monopolies, pharmaceutical profit protection, no-bid contracts, $675 hammers for the military, earmarks, $5.1 billion in profits and pay no federal income taxes, subsidies for the wealthiest corporations, and all of the big givers first in line for any perks or favors.
Many people were critical of President Obama when he reversed his position and decided to accept Super PAC money in this election, but until reform laws are enacted, it’s really the only game in town. ‘No Lobbyists, No PACs, No Super PACs; No Voice.’ Just ask Buddy Roemer.
Go ahead, ask him. He’s not busy.
