My money, and my vote, will always go to the person who's most aligned with my views; no federalé's going to tell me otherwise.

How's this work, anyway? A pool of money dedicated to one contest? Four candidates, one polls in the 40's, two in the teens, one in single digits. Do they each get 25% of the pot? In proportion (or inverse proportion) to popularity? That's a budget line item I could see doubling every two years. Giving tax receipts to pols so they can tell us how careful they're going to be with tax receipts seems peculiar, to say the least.

More folks I'll see him on Youtube, than heard him on AirAmerika. Al Franken, didn't make it as a comedian, couldn't make it as a radio host, should fit right in as a Democrat Senator...run Norm, run.

And if another comedian throws his/her hat into the ring, circa 1968, he/she would also get an equal cut?

Adapted [with some editing for language] from Ace of Spades HQ (http://ace.mu.nu/):

Top Ten Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"

10. "You know, in terms of pure aesthetics, I actually prefer the spork."

9. "Yo, Playah -- that Victorian ascot is the shizznat, Dog!"

8. "I know you're on the pill, but can't I wear a condom just this once? Why must it always be about your dirty needs?"

7. "It's this simple: if I can't put the vision I want on the screen, I'm not making this movie. And the vision I want is David Hasselhof."

6. "My scent? It's Nadler, the only perfume endorsed by 300-pound liberal Congressman Jerry Nadler-- a delicate yet sultry blend of cinnamon, pheremones and pork-chops."

5. "Topless dancers?!! The sign outside specifically promised me Stopless dancers. Now you instruct your staff to get off their break and put on some proper clothing or there are going to be consequences, my good man."

4. "Golly, if I could just see more insurance ads from Geico, my life would be complete!"

3. "There's something magical about riding the bus."

2. "Would I like to take a few minutes to discuss switching over to AT&T's new Friends and Family service? Would I! Would I ever!!!"

...and the Number One Thing People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did you Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"...

1. "Who the **** is Al Franken?"

Here's how it really works (see Lenora Fulani presidential campaign circa 1992)....

"Public funding" generally refers to matching funds. Candidate raises $300, the government sends matching check for $300. Here's what Fulani did with it.

Best friend (we'll call him Frank) goes around and raises $10,000 in small donations for her campaign. Government sends $10,000 in matching funds.

Frank just happens to own a small business which invoices the campaign for service, let's say "brochure design". Campaign sends Frank $11,000 for his services. Frank repays donors on the QT and he has made a tidy $1000 profit, campaign has a $9000 profit. Everyone's happy...and taxpayers have no idea they've been scammed.

Even if an audit takes place, it will be many years later and the above transaction MIGHT result in a small fine.

THAT is how public financing would work.

Al's screening the comments. What a coward.