Getting rich off politics

Deseret Morning News editorial
Published: Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008 12:16 a.m. MST
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The average Utahn who contributes to a political campaign likely does so under the impression that these donations are strictly used for campaign purposes. To most people that could be construed as printing costs for brochures and lawn signs. Or placing an ad in the local newspaper, or buying postage to send out mailers. It might be used to buy pizza for campaign volunteers or a tank of gas to travel around a legislative district.

Few envision that candidates use campaign contributions for front-row Jazz tickets, to recoup lost "income," or to pay spouses for campaign work, let alone to buy Halloween candy or wedding gifts.

Utah law allows broad personal use of campaign funds, so much so that a state officeholder who decides not to seek re-election can use the leftovers as he or she sees fit.

Other states take a hard line with personal use of campaign funds. Some prohibit it outright. Others have strict limitations. Utah should consider similar prohibitions.

At the very least, donors to state-level campaigns in Utah need to know before they open up the checkbook that there is no requirement that their donations be used strictly for legitimate, ordinary and necessary campaign purposes. They could be used to pay a dry cleaning bill, club memberships or even baby-sitting.

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Some people or organizations give campaign contributions not particularly concerned with how the money is spent. It's a way to buy access to a lawmaker. That access fosters relationships. Special interests broker on those relationships when they seek laws that advance their particular interests or when they seek to kill proposed legislation that is contrary to their interests.

Campaign reporting is helpful to a certain extent. It is doubtful that average voters peruse campaign contribution reports to find out who or what organization has contributed to candidates in a respective race. However, Deseret Morning News political reporters make a concerted effort each political season — and in off years — to report this information.

Wouldn't a better solution be to ban personal use of campaign funds, period? Some states go so far as to require that any leftover campaign funds revert to the candidate's political party or be given to nonprofit organizations or education institutions. Such laws enhance the integrity of the campaign and lawmaking process. Utah lawmakers should likewise consider tightening or prohibiting personal use of campaign funds.

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Recent comments

An earlier article pointed out that an insane percent of state legislators...

BBKing | Jan. 25, 2008 at 8:32 a.m.

Dear Control Freak, you said that..."if we don't trust a...

Anonymous | Jan. 24, 2008 at 6:15 p.m.

Actually the topic is geared toward campaign contributions. Perhaps...

Anonymous | Jan. 24, 2008 at 4:52 p.m.