restore the core First Amendment value of open and robust debate in the political process; (5) diminish the public perception of corruption and strengthen public confidence in the democratic process and democratic institutions; (6) increase the accountability of elected officials to the constituents who elect them; (7) eliminate the danger of actual corruption caused by the private financing of the election campaigns of public officials, thus restoring public confidence in the fairness of the electoral and legislative processes; (8) save taxpayers millions of dollars now wasted due to litigation and amicus filings on partisan issues favored by donors; (9) halt and reverse the escalating cost of elections; (10) create a more level playing field for the incumbent and challengers, create genuine opportunities for qualified residents of this State to run for office, and encourage more competitive elections; (11) facilitate communication with the electorate by candidates, regardless of their access to large sums of campaign money; and (12) free candidates from the incessant rigors of raising money, and allow the officeholder more time to carry out his official duties. (C) The General Assembly further finds and declares that the unique factual circumstances in this State require that the provisions of this act be enacted to promote the compelling state interests listed in subsection (B) of this section. SECTION 2. This act may be known as the Carolina “South Judicial Independence Act”. SECTION 3. Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding: 16 “CHAPTER South Carolina Judicial Independence Act Section 81610. As used in this chapter: (1) a qualifying contribution, or ‘Allowable contribution’ means a seed money contribution, or a limited inkind contribution to a participating candidate from that political party as candidate’s specified in Section 816250.
restore the core First Amendment value of open and robust debate in the political process; (5) diminish the public perception of corruption and strengthen public confidence in the democratic process and democratic institutions; (6) increase the accountability of elected officials to the constituents who elect them; (7) eliminate the danger of actual corruption caused by the private financing of the election campaigns of public officials, thus restoring public confidence in the fairness of the electoral and legislative processes; (8) save taxpayers millions of dollars now wasted due to litigation and amicus filings on partisan issues favored by donors; (9) halt and reverse the escalating cost of elections; (10) create a more level playing field for the incumbent and challengers, create genuine opportunities for qualified residents of this State to run for office, and encourage more competitive elections; (11) facilitate communication with the electorate by candidates, regardless of their access to large sums of campaign money; and (12) free candidates from the incessant rigors of raising money, and allow the officeholder more time to carry out his official duties. (C) The General Assembly further finds and declares that the unique factual circumstances in this State require that the provisions of this act be enacted to promote the compelling state interests listed in subsection (B) of this section. SECTION 2. This act may be known as the “South Carolina Judicial Independence Act”. SECTION 3. Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding: “CHAPTER 16 South Carolina Judicial Independence Act Section 81610. As used in this chapter: (1) ‘Allowable contribution’ means a qualifying contribution, or a seed money contribution, or a limited inkind contribution to a participating candidate from that candidate’s political party as specified in Section 816250.
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