My name is Catherine. And I am a voter.

I am often reminded of the following exchange from the film, The American President.

ROBIN: I think the important thing is not to make it look like we're panicking.

SHEPHERD: See, and I think the important thing is actually not to be panicking.

Washington politicians are addicted to the money supplied by special interests and political action committees. They've made an art of saying what it takes to get elected, then working full time on tax breaks and special legislation that benefit their largest contributors. As your Senator, I will: Take NO MONEY FROM SPECIAL INTEREST PAC's.

I believe that we tread on dangerous territory when we make blanket statements such as this. The assumption here is that all PAC's are expecting a quid pro quo exchange when they make contributions. I believe we do a huge disservice to labor unions, non-profit PAC's, and even the corporate PAC's by making such assumptions.

Do I believe that some special interests have too much influence in our government? Absolutely. However, this is the way the game is play NOW. It makes good ink to refuse these contributions. But, it's like playing baseball without a bat. No way one can win that game. Mr Cardwell may I suggest that you play the game by todays rules and once you get elected, work to change the rules?

So, the key, in my mind goes back to the above quote from The American President, rephrased for these purposes:

CANDIDATE: I think the important thing is not to make it look like we're being inflenced by special interests.

ME: See, and I think the important thing is actually not to be influenced by special interests.

Take the money. Don't fall for guilt by association.