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Is Campaign Finance Reform A Ballot Box Issue?

Other episodes in this series: 
Specials
Date: 
August 10, 2012
Betsy Coffia. PHOTO: J. Carl Ganter

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By Peter Payette

It turns out you can win an election mainly with your ideals, a primary election anyway. This week Betsy Coffia easily won the Democratic primary in the 104th State House District. She'll run against incumbent Wayne Schmidt in the fall who wants to represent Grand Traverse County for a third term.

Betsy mainly ran a low-budget social media campaign. She says our system of governance has been destroyed by money. Her opponent didn't raise much money either, but Joseph Sloan did seek the kind of allies you might expect in a Democratic primary. He had endorsements from groups such as the UAW and Planned Parenthood. But the insurgent message prevailed on Tuesday with more than 60 percent of the vote.

Community Discussion Rules
See More: 104th District, Betsy Coffia, Campaign finance, Wayne Schmidt

Comments

Running a Campaign

Submitted by Karl Jr. (not verified) on August 13, 2012 - 1:10pm.
How can you run a campaign that is supported by the Democrat party who receive their money by the UAW, PACs, George Soros, etc.?

Betsy Coffia for State Rep!!

Submitted by Cindy Tomlinson (not verified) on August 12, 2012 - 10:31am.
How refreshing in this time of political money games to have a candidate who is about representing her constituents and not accepting PAC funds has a means to winning an election. Just imagine what Betsy can do in Lansing!!!

Betsy Coffia for State Rep!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on August 13, 2012 - 11:18am.
I can't agree more with you Cindy. Refreshing indeed. Keep in mind though that it was only a friendly, lightly contested PRIMARY. Unfortunately, in our times, Betsy's goin to have to suck it up and play the game to win in November. I'm sure Wayne was smiling ear to ear to see his opponent didn't seek or accept PAC funds. He's been taught by some of the best, how to win an election. He worked at Captain's Quarters for years before running for State Rep. The same establishment Jason Allen grew up in. He's accepted every penny he could get his hands on and has those funds scattered in various bank accounts, making them as difficult as possible to trace. If Betsy really wants to win the election, unfortunately, she'll have to push some morals aside and go for the golden ring. All the best to you Betsy!

"If Betsy wants to

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on August 22, 2012 - 2:41pm.
"If Betsy wants to win....she'll have to push some morals aside..."??? You have clearly missed the point of her campaign and it is even more clear that you do not know her personally. She stands firmly on her morals and values. That anyone would decry her on her principles, regardless of political norms, is reprehensible. For shame....

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