Recently we saw state Sen. Malcolm Smith pictured in his new seat in the rear of the chamber — smiling, stupefied by his notoriety, not realizing that the political maxim about just getting your name in the papers does not apply to him.
Smith is a pathetic joke, a disgrace — and a lesson. Those who originally promoted Smith and Sen. John Sampson to leadership must accept responsibility for their negligence in electing people so unqualified.
But there can be an upside, Smith and Sampson may have a positive legacy. To those who prefer optimism and idealism, these so-called Senate leaders may be the final tragedy that embarrasses the body politic into doing the right thing.
I know this subject firsthand, having worked in the Legislature and the governor's office years ago, for and with some superb, exemplary public officials. Such people are inspiring and hate to see others debase their profession.
Raising campaign funds for worthwhile and competent candidates is also a public service. It needs to be done to get the good ones elected.
As one who has done political fundraising more than 40 years, I have acquired insight into what motivates contributors — some are selfish and some are selfless. I have organized campaign finance committees, persuaded donors, ran many events and protected candidates from contributors with inappropriate motives. I have done it for a few Republicans and lots of Democrats.
As minority counsel to the 1973 Joint Legislative Committee on Election Law Reform, I was a principal participant in drafting the existing campaign finance laws, which are now outmoded due to much bigger financial burdens on candidates.
Most recently I immersed myself in the story of "The Impeachment of Governor Sulzer," which involves money in politics a century ago.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's commitment to join 26 other states in enacting some form of public financing creates a new reality in Albany. The governor's proposal is similar to the excellent but imperfect New York City model. The governor's leadership provides the chance to achieve meaningful change.
Experience motivates me to suggest additional medicine to alleviate the universal political problem of the influence of money in politics.
1. Enact the governor's proposal.
2. Put member items in perspective. They have generated too many abuses. Either eliminate member items or reform them, as follows:
Limit annual member items to $20,000 for senators and $10,000 for Assembly members. Restrict them to not for profits in which no member's family receives any income. Allow committee chairs to distribute an additional $25,000. Provide each member with the same amount to distribute regardless of party.
3. Prohibit contributions from anyone or any organization doing business with the state or seeking to do so.
4. Pay senators more than Assembly members because senators have larger districts. Raise legislative salaries by 50 percent, but require all outside income to be reported biannually and require all elected officials to release their tax returns annually.
5. Limit contributions to $5,000 to any statewide campaign and $2,500 to any legislative campaign and exclude corporations owned in whole or in part by the same person.
6. Impose restrictions on leftover funds. Surpluses should be transferred to party housekeeping committees after 18 months from the candidate's last campaign.
Matthew Lifflander is a lawyer and author of "The Impeachment of Governor Sulzer." He was assistant counsel to Gov. Averell Harriman and previously served as finance chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee.
