Politics Money in Elections Subject of Monday's LWV Program

BRADENTON — Are our elections being bought by large campaign contributions? On Monday, the League of Women Voters of Manatee County will present a free program on Campaign Finance Reform.

During the 2014 election, billions of dollars flowed from parties, wealthy individuals, committees, PACs and Super PACs into campaign coffers, to be used to blanket the media with ads for or against candidates for public office.

“What we hope to do is to shed light on the effects of unlimited contributions and dark money on elections and decision-making,” said Rosalie Shaffer, president of the LWV of Manatee. “We will also discuss what changes to the laws would work best to protect our democracy and help reverse some of the effects of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision."

Speakers will include Rhana Bazzini, a local leader in the campaign finance reform. Last fall, Bazzini walked from Sarasota to Tallahassee to raise awareness of the need for this reform. Bazzini will be joined by Dr. Frank Alcock, Associate Professor of Political Science at New College of Florida.

The program will be held at the Bradenton Woman’s Club, located at 1705 Manatee Ave. W. It is scheduled from 12 noon to 1:00 pm. Doors will open at 11:30 am for a light lunch ($5 donation for lunch) and social time.