Project Positive Campaigning
Promote fair, issue-oriented campaigning and encourage voters to take the initiative to influence the style and type of political campaigns.
The League believes that:
- voters should consider the type and style of the political campaign as a factor in determining who will receive their votes and should inform the candidates of this during the campaign;
- candidates should sign the fair campaign pledge and honor their commitment;
- candidates will use less negative campaigning when such tactics are counter productive and it is up to the voters to reward fair, issue-oriented campaigns with their time, funds, and votes.
To see the "pledge" and the most current list of signers of the Fair Campaign Pledge - CLICK HERE
What happens when candidates do not keep the pledge? When voters are dissatisfied with any aspect of a candidate's campaign - its tone, subject matter, printed materials, or radio and television advertising, they should inform the candidate and his or her political party early and often. The voices of the citizens are listened to. Voters can wield their power both during the campaign and on Election Day.
BACKGROUND AND ACTION
Background: The committee was formed after the 1994 elections and grew out of the frustration with political campaign ads that attacked or distorted the opponent's positions or records.
Negative campaigns: depress voter turnout; make it difficult for the political parties to recruit candidates, increase voter cynicsm and distrust of the political system and the candidates themselves; leads to greater partianship following the elections and lessons the chances for meaningful compromise on legislative issues. All of this is detrimental to a democratic system of government.
Action: The Project Positive Campaign Committee focuses on building support for positive campaigns by: