Noble Idea for Campaign Funds

When it comes to raising political campaign funds, enough never seems to be enough. Politicians seek and find a deep sense of security in overflowing war chests because the funds traditionally serve two vital purposes: they provide the means for winning elections, and, unfortunately, they can eliminate the need for spending any money or waging any campaign because the very size of the political bankroll scares off any potential challengers.

Harriett Wieder, in announcing that she would seek reelection to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, has found a third and most commendable use for her campaign funds. She plans to give a good share of them to charity.

Wieder was unopposed when she ran for a second term in 1982, and so far no one has challenged her bid for a third term on this year’s ballot.

Wieder says that if no challenger appears, she will contribute much of the quarter of a million dollars in campaign funds that she has accumulated over the years to cancer research and other charities.

That would be a rare act for a politician. And a most unselfish one. By spending campaign funds that way, not only Wieder but the entire community stands to win.