WINSTON-SALEM—Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Dan Besse today called for the N.C. Senate to approve key campaign finance reform legislation before adjourning this week.

"The public is rightly dismayed with the overwhelming role of money in politics today," declared Besse.  "We have a chance to start shrinking the influence of big-money special interests in state government in North Carolina—but only if the Senate acts now."

Besse joins a wide range of public interest organizations in supporting House Bill 1517, "Voter-Owned Elections Pilot."  This legislation would set up a voluntary public finance option for three Council of State positions, starting with the 2008 elections.  The three offices affected would be Commissioner of Insurance, State Auditor, and Superintendent of Public Instruction.  The pilot program could be expanded to other offices later.

Besse said, "In a few years, who gets elected in our state could depend more on the quality of candidates' ideas and experience, not on how much campaign cash they can wheedle from wealthy contributors."

Besse encouraged other candidates for 2008 statewide public office to join in the call for Senate action on HB 1517, which was approved by the N.C. House last weekend.

Under the bill, candidates for the covered offices would have the option of accepting public campaign finance funds, in return for agreeing to strictly limit their total campaign spending and contributions accepted from private donors.  To become eligible for the public financing option, a candidate would have to demonstrate broad public support by raising small qualifying contributions ($10 to $200) from a minimum of 750 registered voters in North Carolina.

Dan Besse currently serves in his second term as a city council member in Winston-Salem.  He also has 20 years experience in service on governor-appointed policy-making boards and commissions at the state level in North Carolina.