Out-Of-State Campaign Money Raises Accountability Concerns

The Challenge: Contributors raised concerns about the influence of corporate donations and out-of-state spending on New Hampshire elections, particularly given the modest stipend paid to state legislators. What do New Hampshire residents think? Contributors described a system in which they feel the volume of campaign spending has come to drown out ordinary voices. One contributor wrote simply: “Candidates are not allowed to take more than [a set amount] from any entity or person. It works in countries where democracy is thriving.” Another tied the issue to legislator pay: “A ban on corporate PACs and dark money being able to be accepted by NH lawmakers and candidates for political office would ensure that we move closer to a legitimate representative democracy. And if the pay of our local lawmakers can increase, it will allow for the state house to be more accessible.” A third pointed to scale: “When candidates are spending $50,000 or more, much of it dark money from out of state, to run for a NH House seat that pays $100 per year, this is not an environment that favors local candidates devoted to public service.” Across responses, contributors pointed to a perceived mismatch between the cost of running for office and the public-service nature of the role, and they raised questions about whose voice is heard in policymaking.