... the best way to alter candidates’ incentives has proven to be through public matching funds. A recent joint CFI-Brookings-AEI report (“Reform in an Age of Networked Campaigns”) recommended multiple matching funds for small contributions—perhaps a three-to-one or four-to-one match for each dollar of the first one hundred or two hundred dollars that a donor contributes. This would be similar to New York City’s matching fund system, which offers six dollars in public funds for each dollar of the first $175 that a donor gives to each candidate. CFI’s research has shown that the New York City system is highly effective, and it accomplishes a lot of what Governor Roemer wants without violating his stated principles.
— Michael Malbin, in a largely agreeable response to an article by former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer. — Nick Judd
