From The Desk Of Senator Hugh T. Farley

I support genuine campaign financing reform, such as some type of public funding for candidates for Statewide office. If the Governor is truly interested in "leveling the playing field," among candidates, I would be happy to work with him to develop such a program.

Unfortunately, the Governor's "campaign financing reform" will ensure that only people with great personal wealth -- such as Governor Spitzer and Mayor Bloomberg -- can afford to run for public office.

I believe that average citizens should be able to run for office. I was a teacher when I first ran for Senate, and could not have afforded to run without contributions from my supporters.

Instead of preventing citizens from supporting candidates of their choice, real reform should look at encouraging more and more people to run for office.

In the meantime, the people that I represent are far more concerned about State government actions which directly affect their lives and their pocketbooks. We should be cutting taxes, helping businesses create jobs, and improving people's lives.

The positive work of State government comes from working together, not from name-calling and endless politicking.