Washington may be awash in money-for-influence scandals, but, here in Maine we do things differently.We have an election system that doesn’t allow corruption by crooks such as Jack Abramoff.

I’m proud of the fact that we have a Clean Election public funding system here in Maine, and I support it every year on my tax form. I encourage others to check “Yes” to direct three of their tax dollars to the Clean Election Fund. It won’t add to the tax bill or reduce a refund. What it does is help build up a fund that is available to qualified candidates who agree to limit their campaign spending and raise no private money for their race.

Citizens here initiated the Clean Election Act in order to break the connection between private money and public office. During their campaigns, instead of asking wealthy individuals for money, participating candidates ask folks in their district for $5 just to show their support. Those $5 checks go into the same fund as the $3 tax checkoff.

It’s a truly democratic system, and it sets Maine apart from the many states where big money rules.

Craig Saddlemire, Lewiston