Elections should run a lot like NASCAR

Is anybody else bothered by the antics of "super PACs?" I believe the U.S. Supreme Court got it wrong when it allowed these groups to exist the way they do today. Corporations are people? The term "bull hockey" comes to mind.

Now some of our own lawmakers agree and want to change that, with an amendment to the U.S. Constitution no less. Good for them, and good luck. I have a suggestion or two about presidential elections. I started thinking about this after the mess that was made both in Florida and South Carolina by out-of-control super PACs with lots and lots of corporate money.

Let's treat these elections like NASCAR races where every car is exactly the same in length, weight and engine specs, governed by vigorous rules and regulations. Since all the cars are virtually the same, it comes down the skill of the man or woman behind the wheel. I propose something like this regarding our political candidates and to their supporters.

Set a limit to just how much anyone can contribute to the candidate's campaign. Also, set an all-time limit candidates can't exceed, say $200 million. They can't go over it or face ejection from the race. Period. They can make up what is spent as long as it doesn't go over that limit, too. If that candidate should win the nomination of his or her party then the limit can be raised. Let's say an additional $100 million. That is just for starters.

List all donations for the public to see. Maybe they could wear patches and stickers of their biggest donors and sponsors too, just like you see on the suits of NASCAR drivers and their cars. Well, maybe that is a touch too far. Let's just leave it to a listing for all to see. No hidden sponsors or donors - none - or that candidate must bow out of the race.

Another thing that should be outlawed are robo calls. I don't think I'm the only person who finds these calls to be one of the most annoying aspects of any political race. Frankly, I hate them and hang up with vigor every time.

Here is another suggestion: eliminate the super PACs, or at the very least, muzzle them or any political action group outside a candidate's ability to control. The recent media flood of attack ads by these groups is nauseating. The candidate must be responsible for all advertising in his or her name. On another note, corporations are not people, and it should be ruled as such. The U.S. Supreme Court blew it on that score.

Last I heard, this was the land of "We the People," not the land of "we the corporations."

In other words, let's level the playing field to where every candidate running for this high office starts out and plays from the exact same set of rules. All of them. The people and the Electoral College are more than enough to elect a president. Big money, super PACs and corporations do nothing but take away from those basic rights. Let's make candidates themselves, and not their wallets, convince us just who is the best person for the job.

While some may think of this as tongue-and-cheek, the suggestions made are somewhat in earnest - and with a smile. Elections have turned into a sad farce and I think it is high time we took them back and give the rest a great big kick in the ... well you get what I mean, don't you?

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.