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Tom Martin on Government Reform
Former Democratic Representative (PA-5)
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2,000 signatures for major parties; 67,000 for 3rd parties?
Q: Why do you have to run a write-in campaign? A: The Pennsylvania State Constitution in plain and simple language states that "Elections shall be free and equal" (article I section V). Somehow the politicians have invented statutory laws that [sets
the number of signatures required for major party] ballot access for state wide candidates at 2,000 no matter what, and every one else's a floating number based upon 2% of the largest winners total in the last election. So now Free and Equal elections
have the incumbents needing 2,000 signatures and ever one else needing over 67,070 signatures...some parties are more equal then others. The Green candidate actually got 99,000+ signatures; however the Democrats challenged them and over an eight week
process they politically "cleansed" the signatures down to 58,000 [hence keeping him off the ballot]. The Green candidate now is facing $90,000 in court fines & an expected $900,000 in Democrats' lawyer fees...Comrade it is good to live in a free country
Source: Email interview with OnTheIssues.org
Nov 2, 2006
Limiting ballot access is a monopoly tactic by Dems & GOP
- The electoral process in America is corrupt.
- Because the incumbent parties control who may run against them we are not free.
- Ballot access is a devious monopoly tactic protects Democrats and Republicans
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It is Hypocritical to send our finest to die for Iraqi democracy and deny the same at home.
- Ensures career politicians are protected from the voting public.
Source: Campaign website, members.aol.com/Martin4senate/
Oct 30, 2006
Remove citizens campaign donation limits
- Remove citizens campaign spending limits and donation limits.
- Be wary of reform propositions from incumbent parties.
- If it is in the yellow pages - then government should not do it.
- Supports voluntary term
limits on House (6 yr.) & Senate (12 yr.).
- We have a political monopoly that feeds off of government growth. Until they are cast out that situation will remain.
Source: Campaign website, members.aol.com/Martin4senate/
Oct 30, 2006