November 2015 NOVEMBER UNITS - Money in Politics At the June 2014 LWVUS Convention a multi-part program was adopted including "A review and update of the League position on campaign finance in light of forty years of changes since the Watergate reforms, in order to enhance member understanding of the new schemes and structures used to influence elections and erode protections against corruption in our political process, and to review possible responses to counter them in the current environment." Before the League can take any action on issues, members must agree in broad terms on what they think about various aspects of the policy. At our October Unit meetings we discussed the information in the LWV Money in Politics primer regarding changes in the legislative, judicial and regulatory reforms surrounding campaign financing including first amendment issues, the public's right to know, how to combat corruption and undue influence, and definitions of personhood, speech and money. This month we will try to come to a consensus on the series of questions on pages 7-10. Please feel free to study and think about your answers to these questions before the meeting. Thursday, November 12, 2015, 1:00pm Great River Regional Library, Bremer Room 300 West St. Germain, St. Cloud MN Saturday, November 14, 2015, 9:30am Dunn Bro's Coffee at Coborns on Cooper 900 Cooper Ave S, St. Cloud MN NOTE: The mid-week unit will be on Thursday, not Wednesday due to Veteran's day. Holiday Potluck Party Saturday, December 5, 2015 11:00am to 1:00pm Unitarian Fellowship 3226 Maine Prairie Rd St. Cloud MN SAVE THE DATE IN THIS EDITION Community Outreach...P 2 Membership..Pages 2-3 Northstar...Pages 4 Women's Consortium...P 4 Book Club...Page 5 Calendar...Page 5 UMRRILO...Page 6 Team Reminders...Page 6 Consensus Questions... Pages 7-10 November 2015 Page!1
Community Outreach Team Kate Meyer, Chair Higher Education Contacts This fall, Community Outreach Team members initiated fruitful conversations with nonpartisan political organizations at local colleges and universities. At St. Cloud State University (SCSU), we have been meeting with staff members who administer the American Democracy Project (ADP). In addition, we recently met the Director of the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Political Policy and Engagement to talk about collaborative efforts at St. Benedict s and St. John s (CSB/SJU). The American Democracy Project is a multi-campus initiative focused on the role of higher education in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens. At SCSU, the ADP has scheduled a number of events to raise awareness of political issues. On the evening of April 6, 2016, we anticipate assisting ADP in sponsoring a campus forum about economic security. This event will be based on a briefing paper provided by the Kettering Foundation and will involve participant feedback about the questions raised. The input process used has been developed by the Kettering Foundation specifically to engage direct, local participation. The McCarthy Center, located on the SJU campus, fosters dialogue and involvement regarding politics, values, and public policy and is known for sponsoring the annual McCarthy Lecture in late October. The Center offers a myriad of regular and special programs, including the Politics & a Pint presentations at Willie s Pub several times a month. Mark your calendar for 7:00 p.m. November 11 and plan to attend the Ask the Governor event featuring Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton at Gorecki Center (CSB). Check the website for information about this and other programs (www.csbsju.edu/mccarthycenter). Workshop about Voting and Voter Registration (2016) Community Outreach, in collaboration with Membership, is planning a training event for late February/early March designed especially for newer members. The goals will be to increase understanding of our core public services and to develop trained volunteers who are ready to staff voter registration events. We will want to encourage our more experienced volunteers to attend, as well, and share insight about situations and questions that have arisen. membership Welcome four new members to LWVSCA: Eric Malinen, Marilyn Malinen (Eric,s sister), Ann Fleming, and Claire Haeg. On Sept. 21 Jerilyn Petersen, Linda Kotschevar, Mary White-Levilain, Carolyn Garven, and Jan Stavros met with Eric, Marilyn, and Ann for orientation to LWV. All three came to the Fall picnic this year, so they are familiar faces to many members. On Oct. 22 Kate Meyer and Jan Stavros met with Claire Haeg for orientation. Claire is the Chair of the Political Science Dept. at CSB/SJU. The membership team is responsible for the orientation of new members. When an orientation has been scheduled, the membership team and the Board of Directors are notified. Any member who wants to be part of this notification is welcome. Let Jan Stavros know if you would like to be added to the list. November 2015 Page!2
Membership Directories. The 2015-2016 directories were available for pick-up at the Unit meetings in Sept. and Oct. Any not picked up were mailed on Oct. 19. Each member receives one free directory and may purchase additional directories for $2 each. Contact information for new members that are not in the directory will be sent via email to members by President, Linda Kotschevar. Submitted by Jan Stavros Meet Eric Malinen, St. Cloud Hello! I joined the League recently because of my interest in voter services, especially registration, Now, I have signed-up for a study team, and look forward to meeting more members in the coming months. Also, my sister, Marilyn Malinen, is a new member. I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area until my early teens, when my family moved to St. Cloud. I consider St. Cloud and Minnesota home, because I attended St. Cloud Tech, St. Olaf College, and the University of Minnesota Law School prior to moving to Washington, DC, for 24 years. Most of my family is in Minnesota (I am single), and I have been back here for about four years. I retired from the Federal Communications Commission (22 years); while there, I specialized in wireless and small business issues. Lately, I have been pursuing a cell phone patent and have been doing some local volunteer work. My other interests are in the areas of human rights, and veterans and mental disabilities issues. Meet Ken Howell, Alexandria My real interest in the League of Women Voters began about four years ago. My wife Jeanne and I attended a candidate forum conducted by our local Chamber of Commerce, and we came away extremely disappointed. The candidates had been given all of the questions in advance, so their answers were for the most part scripted," the questions were all related to the interests of the Chamber, and there was no dialogue with the audience. Jeanne commented afterwards that if the League of Women Voters would have done the forum it would have been much more meaningful. The Alex League had been dormant for some time, and I audaciously said, Why don t you get it going again? I agree to help, and so we did. I have always been interested in public policy issues stemming from my social science major in college and history in grad school. This led me to eight years of teaching high school in Alex, followed by 30 years in sales with a medical equipment manufacturer. I appreciate how the League objectively studies important policy issues and arrives at a consensus through thoughtful deliberation. I hope that I can positively contribute to the LWVSCA as a Board member. November 2015 Page!3
#finishnorthstar NOW IS THE TIME for our public leaders to pass a transportation bill that will include the completion of the Northstar Rail to St. Cloud.. Please join us for our public meeting with our elected officials. Thursday, November 12th from 7:00pm 9:00pm At the River s Edge Convention Center Rep. Knoblach of St. Cloud has committed to attending, invites to other elected officials including Governor Dayton are pending, though Gov. Dayton has expressed his support for the project, along with Rep. Jeff Howe who sits on the transportation finance committee Please register at: www.tinyurl.com/grip12 Contact GRIP/ISAIAH organizer Anne Buckvold at 320-339-1941 or abuckvold@isaiahmn.org with questions. This is sponsored by GRIP/ISAIAH but commuter trains are supported in our own local program. LWVSCA program: 3. TRANSPORTATION: Support alternatives to the private automobile including mass transit, bike trails and commuter trains. (2003) he Women's Consortium Comes to St. Cloud The Women's Consortium is coming to St. Cloud on November 4! Our staff and board will be meeting at the St. Cloud Public Library from 4:30pm to 6:00pm in the Array Room. Join us to meet our new Executive Director, hear about our work, and discuss gender equity issues in the community. November 2015 Page!4
Book Club LWVSCA Book Club is open to all members and friends who are welcome to attend at any time. We usually meet at 6:30 P. M. the third Thursday of each month. For more information, please call Pat Fillmore at 320-259-0542. Our current book title and meeting place schedule: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Book club kit from the Public Library. Title to be determined. Thursday, November 19, 2015 Hostess: Linda Kotschevar, 109-3rd Ave. N., Waite Park 320-252-3827 Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 Hostess: Diane Bublitz 1776 Cypress Rd., St. Cloud 320-259-1939 (There are multiple covers of this book.) Giants in the Earth by O. E. Rolvaag Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016 Hostess: Ginny Clark 1340 S. 9th Ave., #114, St. Cloud 320-252-7154 Future titles: The Last Spymaster by Gayle Lynds in Feb. A Call to Action: Women, Religion,Violence and Power by Jimmy Carter in March. A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny in April. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivy in May. CALENDAR November 2015 11/03 -- Election day 11/04 -- Women's Consortium, 4:30-6:00pm, GRR Library, Array room 11/11 -- Ask the Governor, 7pm, Gorecki Center, CSB 11/12 -- Units,1pm, Bremer Room, Library 11/12 -- Finish the Northstar, 7-9pm, GRIP at RECC 11/14 -- Units, 9:30am, Dunn Bros 11/19 -- Book Club 11/18 -- Board Meeting, 1pm, Dunn Bros, Cooper Ave S 11/28 -- Thanksgiving December 2015 12/5 -- Holiday Party, 11am to 1pm 12/25--Christmas 12/28-- League Lines Deadline, Noon November 2015 Page!5
Upper Mississippi River Region Inter-League Organization (UMRRILO) I attended the first meeting of the UMRRILO on October 24th in Dubuque IA. Leagues from the states of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin were represented. Gretchen Sabel, Anoka MN was elected Chair. Inter-League Organizations (ILO) are not a new concept. The first ILO formed in 1972. The UMRRILO was modeled after the Lake Michigan Region ILO which is made up of Leagues within the Lake Michigan watershed. The UMRRILO purpose is to promote education, and active participation by the public, business and government for management of the natural resources of the Upper Mississippi River Region. We learned that the entire Mississippi watershed received a D+ rating in a multi-year review with the upper river region getting a C rating. The river was rated on ecosystems, flood control & risk reduction, transportation, water supply, economy and recreation. It is a working river that is the backbone of America and it needs our help. The first focus of the UMRRILO is nutrient reduction. Stay tuned for ways you can help. ~ Marlene Haider TEAM REMINDERS: January: Affordable Care Act-How is it Working? (Update on MnSure) Convener:Ralph Carr Gerri Gustafson Lolly Loomis Jerilyn Petersen February: Northstar Convener: Linda Kotschevar Diane Bublitz Mary Kay Carle Ginny Clark LEAGUE LINES A publication of the League of Women Voters of the St. Cloud Area PO BX 5084, St. Cloud MN 56302 Visit us at www.lwvsca.org and at www.facebook.com/lwvstcloudarea Email us at: gmail.comlwvsca@gmail.com MISSION: The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. League of Women Voters affirms its commitment to reflecting the diversity of the membership...and strives to overcome barriers of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability in the activities of the organization. President: Linda Kotschevar Treasurer: Diane Bublitz Editor: Marlene Haider Secretary: Ginny Clark Membership: Jan Stavros Membership dues are $60.00. Of that, $29.00 is tax deductible. Make check payable to: LWVSCA. November 2015 Page!6
MONEY IN POLITICS CONSENSUS QUESTIONS This update on Money In Politics builds on the League s current position on campaign finance. The consensus questions in Part I address the goals of campaign finance regulation in terms of democratic values. The questions in Part II relate to the extent to which First Amendment protections like free speech and freedom of the press should apply to various speakers and activities in the campaign finance context. Part III asks about methods of campaign finance regulation. You are asked to respond to the questions without regard for the Supreme Court s current views on the First Amendment. In responding to each question, please interpret the words in their most general sense. Keep in mind that the LWV intentionally words positions that are derived from member study in the broadest possible way so that our positions have relevance for many years. Future national Boards will determine when and how to apply our positions. An optional comment section is included at the end of each of the three parts. Please note that while comments will be read and considered, only responses to questions can be tabulated. PART I QUESTIONS: Democratic Values and Interests with Respect to Financing Political Campaigns 1. What should be the goals and purposes of campaign finance regulation? (Please respond to each item in Question 1.) a Seek political equality for all citizens. b Protect representative democracy from being distorted by big spending in election campaigns. c Enable candidates to compete equitably for public office. d Ensure that candidates have sufficient funds to communicate their messages to the public. e Ensure that economic and corporate interests are part of election dialogue. f Provide voters sufficient information about candidates and campaign issues to make informed choices. g Ensure the public s right to know who is using money to influence elections. h Combat corruption and undue influence in government. 2. Evaluate whether the following activities are types of political corruption: (Please respond to each item in Question 2.) November 2015 Page!7
a A candidate or officeholder agrees to vote or work in favor of a donor s interests in exchange for a campaign contribution. b An officeholder or her/his staff gives greater access to donors. c An officeholder votes or works to support policies that reflect the preferences of individuals or organizations in order to attract contributions from them. d An office holder seeks political contributions implying that there will be retribution unless a donation is given. e The results of the political process consistently favor the interests of significant campaign contributors. OPTIONAL COMMENTS (250 word limit): PART II QUESTIONS: First Amendment Protections for Speakers and Activities in Political Campaigns This set of questions is designed to determine the extent to which the First Amendment protections of free speech and freedom of the press should apply to different speakers or activities in the regulation of campaign finance. Free speech and free press provide essentially the same protections to speakers, writers, publishers and advertising, whether or not they are part of the institutional press, and largely regardless of the medium. Essentially, these protections extend to any conduct that is expressive. Many of the options below would be found unconstitutional by the current Supreme Court, but we are seeking your League s views, not those of the Court. These are broad, overarching questions about spending to influence an election, including independent spending, contributions to candidates, broadcast news and other communication expenditures. 1 Many different individuals and organizations use a variety of methods to communicate their views to voters in candidate elections. Should spending to influence an election by any of the following be limited? (Please respond to each item in Question 1.) a Individual citizens, including wealthy individuals like George Soros and the Koch Brothers. b Political Action Committees, sponsored by an organization, such as the League of Conservation Voters, Chevron, the American Bankers Association, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), whose campaign spending comes from contributions by individuals associated with the sponsoring organization, such as employees, stockholders, members and volunteers. November 2015 Page!8
c For-profit organizations, like Exxon, Ben and Jerry s, General Motors, and Starbucks, from their corporate treasury funds. d Trade associations, like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Wind Energy Association, and the American Petroleum Institute, from the association s general treasury funds. e Labor unions, like the United Autoworkers and Service Employees International, from the union s general treasury funds. f Non-profit organizations, like the Sierra Club, Wisconsin Right to Life, Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, American Crossroads, and Priorities USA, from the organization s general treasury funds. g Non-partisan voter registration and GOTV (get out the vote) organizations and activities, like the LWV and Nonprofit Vote. h Political parties, like the Republicans, Libertarians, and Democrats. i Candidates for public office spending money the candidate has raised from contributors. j Candidates for public office spending their own money. 2 The press plays a major role in candidate elections through editorial endorsements, news coverage, and other communications directly to the public that are often important to the outcome. Should such spending to influence an election by any of the following be limited? (Please respond to each item in Question 2.) a Newspapers, like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. b Television and other electronic media, like Fox News, CNN. MSNBC and CBS. c Internet communications, like Huffington Post, Breitbart, Daily Kos, and individual bloggers. OPTIONAL COMMENTS (250 word limit): November 2015 Page!9
PART III QUESTIONS: Methods for Regulating Campaign Finance to Protect the Democratic Process 1 In order to achieve the goals for campaign finance regulation, should the League support? (Please respond to each item in Question 1 a and b.) a Abolishing SuperPACs and spending coordinated or directed by candidates, other than a candidate s own single campaign committee. b Restrictions on direct donations and bundling by lobbyists? (Restrictions may include monetary limits as well as other regulations.) c Public funding for candidates? Should the League support: (You may respond to more than one item in Question 1 c.) i Voluntary public financing of elections where candidates who choose to participate must also abide by reasonable spending limits? ii Mandatory public financing of elections where candidates must participate and abide by reasonable spending limits? iii. Public financing without spending limits on candidates? 2 How should campaign finance regulations be administered and enforced? (You may choose more than one response for Question 2.) a. By an even-numbered commission with equal representation by the two major political parties to ensure partisan fairness (current Federal Election Commission [FEC] structure)? b. By an odd-numbered commission with at least one independent or nonpartisan commissioner to ensure decisions can be made in case of partisan deadlock? c. By structural and budget changes to the FEC (e.g., commission appointments, staffing, security, budget, decision making process) that would allow the agency to function effectively and meet its legislative and regulatory mandates. d. No consensus. OPTIONAL COMMENTS (250 word limit): November 2015 Page!10