Posts Tagged ‘rob schaaf’
Rob Schaaf: Check to Frighten You
on Thursday, July 23, 2015Rob Schaaf Money Quotation saying political campaign donors donate more to politicians in single contributions than average yearly incomes. Rob Schaaf said:
“Without Violating the law, a single person or corporation could write my campaign a check larger than most Missouri families make in an entire year. This should frighten you” — Rob Schaaf
In this quote, Rob Schaaf is expressing concern about the potential influence of large financial contributions on political campaigns and the democratic process. His view is that a single wealthy donor or corporation could legally give a sum to his campaign that vastly exceeds what many average families earn in a whole year.
Schaaf seems to believe this scenario should be alarming, as it underscores how monetary resources concentrated in few hands could disproportionately sway election outcomes and policy agendas. His implication is that a system where massive donations are essentially required to run competitive races risks being unresponsive to public interests and priorities.
The quote conveys Schaaf’s view that reforms are needed to curb the potential for economic elites to essentially “buy” political power through the size of financial backing they can provide to preferred candidates and causes.
Rob Schaaf: Money Buys Fear
on Wednesday, July 22, 2015Rob Schaaf Money Quotation saying elected officials often fear opponents with big money donors and do their bidding without getting donations. Rob Schaaf said:
“Money buys fear. If you have money, and if you show that you’re willing to use it, elected officials will fear that you will fund their opponents. Because of this, many of them will do what you want without you so much as giving them a dime” — Rob Schaaf
In this quote, Rob Schaaf is highlighting how the threat of major financial opposition can influence politicians even without any money changing hands. His view is that merely demonstrating one’s ability and willingness to spend large sums against a candidate or policy is often enough to instill “fear” in elected officials and coerce their actions.
Schaaf seems to be suggesting that officials will preemptively support special interests’ preferences out of apprehension that those interests could fund damaging campaigns against them if displeased.
The quote conveys Schaaf’s belief that the disproportionate political power enabled by unlimited money in politics means wealthy groups and individuals can indirectly shape policy outcomes simply by officials fearing potential future funding of opponents, rather than through direct donations.