The truth about partisan politics

Editor,

Partisan politics is a reality because there is a huge difference between the Republican and Democrat platforms and action plans. Recently, my Democrat opponent, Ric Smith from Finley Point, commented about me and partisan politics in a letter to the editor.

Whether it is family values, gun rights, property rights, water rights or access to public lands and water, I will continue to stand up for what is right. Compromise in the state legislature reduces partisan politics and is sometimes necessary to get part of what you want, but it doesn't control government over-spending or protect freedom. As a public servant, I will stick to my principles and try to get the most out of each dollar that is taken from taxpayers.

Campaign donations have nothing to do with partisan politics. In Montana, we are lucky to have a citizen legislature. There is a four-month session every two years. Legislators are paid a salary for only the four-month session, about $7,000 for the two-year period. Because many good people may not have the personal funds to participate in the legislative process, Montana campaign finance laws provide candidates a means for securing some money without undue influence.

In Montana the most money that a legislative candidate can accept from a person or a Political Action Committee (PAC) is $130. I do not know of a single Republican or Democrat who would compromise their integrity because of a PAC contribution. Also, the total amount of money that can be accepted from PACs is further limited to a maximum of $2,300 for state senators.

There is no limit to how much a candidate can put into their own campaign or how many people can contribute the maximum of $130 each. We have lost many good legislators because they cannot afford to be a legislator. During the last general election a local Democrat candidate spent $65,000 to win a senate seat.

If you're interested, go to www.followthemoney.org and see for yourself just how much money each candidate has raised and from whom.

Verdell Jackson,

Representative for HD 6

Senate candidate for SD 5