Mark Smith, 3rd CD candidate, takes Pledge

Mark Smith, candidate for the 3rd Congressional District, wrote and signed this pledge and asked the other candidate in the race to sign also. His press release says that one other has signed so far. Not sure who that is.

Mark of Integrity
Code of Campaign Ethics

Political campaigns should give a voice to the people and promote faith in the democratic process. I pledge to promote optimism, inclusion and voter participation by waging a vigorously contested, but fairly conducted campaign. Throughout this campaign I will promote respect for the voters, for truth and accountability, for my opponents, for campaign finance and election laws and for democracy.

I Pledge to:
1) Respect Voters.
· I will run an issue-oriented campaign to educate Missouri voters about me as a candidate and my stand on the issues.
· I will not appeal to bigotry or prejudice, especially appeals based on issues of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and national origin.
· I will respect the time and privacy of Missouri voters by not engaging in “robot calls” – recorded telephone calls. I guarantee that calls made on my behalf will be made by a human, not a machine.

2) Respect Truth and Accountability.
· I will denounce and discourage the use of soft money or independent expenditures by outside groups on my behalf. This campaign should be conducted by the candidates, not by special interest groups.
· I will do my best to always be truthful and fair about myself and my opponents.

3) Respect my Opponents.
· I will not use, or permit the use of, false or misleading statements about my opponents, their personal lives, or their families.
· I will not engage in unfair personal attacks on my opponents.

4) Respect Election Laws.
· I will not accept individual contributions that exceed the $2,000 maximum for the primary until August 4, 2004. I will return any contributions over that amount.
· Voters have a right to know who is financing every candidate’s campaign. I will not use loans to hide the identity of donors to my campaign. I will repay any loan my campaign has incurred.
· I oppose making fundraising calls on taxpayers’ time.

5) Respect Democracy.
· I will promote optimism and political participation by running a straightforward, issue-based campaign that highlights issues important to the lives and futures of Missouri voters.
· I will uphold and defend the right of every registered Third District voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process.
I agree to abide by this Code of Campaign Ethics and to run my campaign in such a way that respects voters.
Date: April 5, 2004