Candidates should not accept money from people who cannot vote for them

I tried to compete for the 23rd District vacancy as the Democratic nominee in August when the 11 county chairs met at Blue Mountain Lake. They selected Bill Owens, who is a registered independent. Mr. Owens cannot legally be a Democrat until after the election. And, he needs special certification to run on the Democratic line as a non-Democrat. That part of the process is bad enough, but now his fundraising raises questions for me. It's no secret that I am greatly disappointed by that outcome, not by the process per se; it was a good process. Choosing an independent to run as a "non-Democrat, Democrat," violates a strong party principle, I believe, and it is a slap at every person who ever sought office in this district as a loyal Democrat.

On July 10, Jude Seymour from the Times wrote a very good article about my effort and me. In his conclusion he wrote: "Mr. Francis has an unusual philosophy about fundraising, especially for a race that may take millions of dollars to win." Then he quoted me: "I don't want to take money from anybody that can't vote for me." That goes to my point of this letter. A lot of people chide me and say that view is foolish. I do not think so. Look at this race thus far. All three candidates are millionaires. Mr. Owens went to Syracuse (not even in the district) for a fundraiser that a big law firm held for him (VP Biden was there). Now, a bigger prize awaits him in New York City, a $4,000-per-head fundraiser headed up by President Obama. How many people in Syracuse or NYC can vote for Bill Owens in November?

On the other hand, and my point is, that I can look a citizen in the eye and say I will work for them and not for big outside money. Taking outside money I believe violates a strong and basic principle not to take money from people who cannot vote for you. That's all I wanted to say about that. No sour grapes, just a few statements of fact. Remember to vote next month; let your conscience be your guide.

Danny M. Francis

Watertown