$

Is there any more powerful symbol in the world than the "$"?

"Money is the mother's milk of politics..." This famous quote came from former California State Treasurer and former Speaker of the California General Assembly, Jesse Unruh. He was a Democrat and a prominent voice in the other party during the 1960s and 70s.

Why am I blogging about money? Because Jesse Unruh's quote is as important today as it was when he first spoke it. To many, it is unfortunate and sad that money plays such an important role in the battle of ideas in our great American democracy. Big money has such great influence that the "little guy" has no chance of making a difference, they say.

Well, I disagree.

First, money is very important in politics. As your Chairman, I struggle daily with the task of raising the significant funds that are required to have a downtown office presence, to pay full-time staff, and to support candidates with our various programs. It is a daily challenge and one that is at the center of what we must do to maintain our presence and importance as a party. Without the resources we need, we would cease to exist.

But, at the end of the day, candidates raise money for one reason: to get out there message to the voters. The "little guy" watches the commercials, hears the speeches, gets the direct mail, visits the web sites, and then...ultimately...WE DECIDE ON ELECTION DAY.

If money were the only factor, Mitt Romney would likely be our presidential nominee in 2008. The 90s would have brought us Ross Perot not Bill Clinton. George Soros and his billion-dollar ultra-radical left-wing spin machine would have a much greater impact than they have up to this point.

Money is important, but in our system, the people decide. Do you disagree?