To the editor:
It seems too early to really focus on a Senate race, but many of us are deeply concerned at the way senatorial hopeful Joe Cannon continues to funnel money into his "early bird" campaign.I am certain that the funds were acquired, and have been disbursed, honestly and that there are many individuals volunteering their time on Mr. Cannon's behalf who are not being paid. These facts, however, beg the questions.
Can Utah be purchased? If so, what is our price? If a candidate for statewide office begins advertising early enough, and spends freely enough, is he assured of victory? Do opinion polls and op/ed pieces also have a price?
Can a "citizen candidate" ever be elected if having bushels of money is a prerequisite to success? How many of our great statesmen from the past would have served in public office under such a system? What class of people are best served by the politics/
money mix: politicians, statesmen or royalty?
Can we expect Mr. Cannon, if elected, to influence the expenditure of public funds with the same reckless abandon he is using to finance his campaign? Are there some better ways these campaign funds might be spent?
Norman K. Johnson
Salt Lake City