I would like to introduce a motion to amend the Democratic Party's platform when I go to the caucus early next year, and I'm having trouble coming up with how to word it at all. What I want to do is separate the fundraising from the formulation of public policy. In other words, keep the politicians from having to call people and beg for campaign funds, so that good people can run without having to raise a million dollars before the party will pay any attention to them, and so that office holders can concentrate on what's good for the people.

On the other hand, I kind of fear the consequences of centralizing campaign funding. It could lead to the party becoming monolithic and having a strong party line determined by corporate donors. Unless we safeguard the ability of anyone to run for office without fear of being abandoned financially by the party after getting on the ballot.

I'm looking for ideas, and when I come up with something good, I'll post it here so other involved people can introduce it at their precinct caucuses and it will have as many paths as possible to the national level of the party.

Of course, a platform point has no real force, but since I'm not a party official I can't propose a change to the charter or bylaws of the Democratic Party.