For the first part of the study, the authors examine Maine and Arizona, the states that have already enacted “clean election” laws, or taxpayer financed campaigns. They ask the questions: “Does public financing work?” and “Does it achieve the goals that are put forth as justification?” The authors also analyze the four arguments advocates of public financing often rely on. The authors first explain why public funding would work, in theory; followed by why it does not fully work. They do this by addressing the congressional reports, campaign finance legislation and data on electoral competition.
