Big Money Undermines Legitimacy of Congress

Flickr: nathanmac87

In these days of polarized politics there may be little those on the right and left can agree on.

But one principle that both still seem to share is that one person's vote should be worth the same as another's in a congressional election.

The truth today, though, is that Hawaii voters no longer believe that's the case. A recent Civil Beat Poll found that the state's registered voters believe the wealthy — whether corporations, labor unions or individuals — have an outsized impact on elections and the decisions of members of Congress.

This raises the question: Whose interests should representatives and senators give the greatest weight? Those of the people in their district? Or those of the people who contribute to their campaigns, whether or not they live in their district?

We think the answer is obvious: The people in their state or district.

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