Another reason to euthanize the Democratic party

[DaveB]

You say you want a revolution...

Primaries For Sale

If you want further proof that some Democrats are politically bankrupt, don't miss Brian Faler's Washington Post report that the South Carolina Democrats are "considering allowing corporations to sponsor its presidential primary" next February. Since South Carolina requires parties to pay for their own primaries, the Dems need $500,000 to put on the vote. So it's thinking of letting sponsors put their names on get-out-the-vote ads and signs, says SC Dem chief Joe Erwin, who is "naturally" an advertising executive! The party had even considered allowing sponsors to put their names on ballots, but had enough sense to reject that idea. Too bad, we would have enjoyed seeing Goldman Sachs' name next to John Edwards' and John Kerry's, and AOL Time Warner's next to Howard Dean's name.

From TomPaine, October 15, 2003

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[Iain]

Why is that so terrible? The businesses are getting something out of it, advertising, when was politics ever otherwise?

 

[Kaylee]

but... but..... I thought it was the evil oligopolish Republicans who were in bed with the predatory corporations, while the noble Democrats (friends of the Working Man) hung out with the commie unions.. Who changed the dance card?

 

[Mikul]

What's wrong with it? Did you miss this part:

says SC Dem chief Joe Erwin, who is "naturally" an advertising executive

So the companies pay an advertising company to handle their ballot advertisements. The advertising company is conveniently owned by one of the candidates and some of that money just happens to wind up in his pocket.

Shades of money laundering, anyone?