Reformers Spurned

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Something's come between us, John McCain, and we may need to go our separate ways.

I was clear about my intentions from the very beginning. You knew that one day, when you'd made your mark and gained power, I'd need a reward for standing by your side all this time. You know I want Clean Elections campaign reform, John.

Once upon a time, you were there for us, offering a stern word against the well-heeled special interests or adding your name to the all the best campaign reform measures or rushing to appear before the cameras. You and the campaign reformers made a law together, John, and it we named it after you -- "McCain-Feingold." Anyway, you always knew I wanted more. I was ready to go all the way -- to full public financing of all elections.

That's why it's so hard to write this. Where did we go wrong? Back in the salad days when we passed a ban on soft money contributions, you called the Clean Elections system in your home state a model for the nation. Even today those words make me weak in the knees. But now you tell reporters that you don't support full public financing for all federal offices. Do you know how much that hurts me?

I know you're sensitive about this subject, but I really think your new friends have come between us.

What am I supposed to think now that you're hanging around with lobbyists like Charlie Black and Wayne Berman? They claim your relationship is platonic, but does anyone really believe that? Yes, they can give you things (well, not "technically," but you get the point), but do they really understand you like I do?

Or I guess I should say like I thought I did.

And what's with all these calls you're getting from establishment conservatives? Without even asking me how I'd feel, you gladly accepted the support from anti-campaign reformers like National Right to Life's lawyer James Bopp and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), while whispering in their ears about appointing Supreme Court justices like John Roberts and Samuel Alito. John! Has ambition made you blind? That's the same crowd that's hell bent on dismantling your law and all other campaign finance laws.

Oh, and don't think I haven't noticed that mountain of special interest cash raised by your influence peddling lobbyists (or should I just call them "your staff"?). I know that all candidates have to play the field a little, but do you have to rub it in our face? Having a fundraiser at the suggestively named Petroleum Club in Denver? Why not just come home with a dead polar bear rug or a Hummer? Plus, it makes your claim that you've never done a favor for a donor or special interest completely unbelievable. What's next? An event billed as "Barbequing in the Back Room with John"?

You know, it's always the same story. You'll abandon your commitment to me, and go find someone else who will call you at 3 a.m. and tell you you've "got character." The media may still drop in a "champion of reform" here and "maverick reformer" there. Others will swoon over your past achievements, and, frankly, the fact that you're a Republican who went against many in your party to support past efforts. (I have to admit I enjoyed the thrill.)

But now it feels that this kick you're on, this running for president, has made you... well, different. Now you're just like all the other good ol' boys. Heck, maybe we reformers were the fools to think you really believed in us. But, you know what our President has said, "Fool me once..."

Speaking of the president, it's time that I say it and stop beating around the Bush: I want the next president to be "The One" with whom I make sweet, sweet reform laws with. Laws that will make the American people gawk in disbelief that something good can happen in Washington, D.C. Once that person was you. It's clear to me now that you're not ready to go all the way.

Maybe we need to get some of our friends to talk sense to you?

Alas, I seems you've moved on. Perhaps it's time I do the same. You know, there are others out there who are for Clean Elections-style reform and who have pledged to make it happen.

I'm not looking for perfection but just a strong, solid commitment. And John, let me give you some straight talk: you've got a commitment problem.

We may well need some time apart. If you want me back it's going to take more than flowery words and promises that you'll "change." It's a serious commitment to public financing of elections that I want and in 2008 it looks like I just might have to find that with somebody else.