42.17.610 - Findings. - Washington Statutes

Findings. (Effective until January 1, 2012.)

The people of the state of Washington find and declare that:

     (1) The financial strength of certain individuals or organizations should not permit them to exercise a disproportionate or controlling influence on the election of candidates.

     (2) Rapidly increasing political campaign costs have led many candidates to raise larger percentages of money from special interests with a specific financial stake in matters before state government. This has caused the public perception that decisions of elected officials are being improperly influenced by monetary contributions.

     (3) Candidates are raising less money in small contributions from individuals and more money from special interests. This has created the public perception that individuals have an insignificant role to play in the political process.

[1993 c 2 § 1 (Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992).]