Common Cause Displays Lack of Common Sense

The St. Pete times reports that Gov.-elect Crist is soliciting contributions for as much as $500,000 to pay for his inauguration events.

As Crist says, increased fundraising will make the events more accessible to more Floridians.

"I'm working hard to make this a non-paying event for a lot of people. And it's just a request."

Well, of course Ben Wilcox of Common Cause doesn't see it that way. In response to the sliding scale of perks (tote bags, cuff links, etc) offered to donors, Wilcox is aghast:

"It's pretty mind-boggling," said Ben Wilcox of Common Cause, a nonpartisan group that tracks political money. "It must be a pretty impressive tote bag."

Wilcox said he believes inaugural donors are "buying access" to Crist.

"It's unfortunate," Wilcox said. "The inaugural celebrates the people of Florida, but to be a part of this committee you have to be a pretty wealthy person from Florida."

It wasn't that long ago when few were able to experience and celebrate the inauguration of a new governor. It takes a lot of money to bring it to the masses. Better that it come from donors - even lobbyists - than from taxpayers.

By the way, any unspent funds will go to a good cause (thankfully not Common Cause):

After costs are met, receipts will be given to the Jessica Marie Lunsford foundation, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Derrick Brooks Charities.