Reply #31: You're somewhat new,

[LizW]

so I guess you might not have heard this decision explained. CNN gave a very coherent explaination right before the announcement, as did Governor Dean in his speech.

Dean supports public financing of campaigns. However, the current system does not work in the situation where the incumbent is able to raise so much money by selling access that he can opt out, and the others can't. The incumbent can spend, spend, spend while those who opt to take public financing run up against the spending cap, and will be defenseless for months against the relentless television advertising of the incumbent.

Dean put the question to a vote of his supporters because opting out means we must commit to give what it takes to be competitive with Bush. I have no problem with this, and I can't imagine why it would be seen as a burden. Those who can afford to give to Dean's campaign will do so. Others will donate their time and energy. Many others will simply vote. The goal is to get George Bush out of the White House, and the ONLY way that is going to happen is if we are competitive financially. No matter how much we may support campaign finance reform, it would be foolish to willingly cripple ourselves by accepting public funding when we know we can raise the money ourselves.