Campaign Reform

As we continue to read and hear more about excessive or illegal political fund-raising, it is apparent that existing laws and newly passed initiatives are not sufficient to curtail this activity. These laws do not identify givers and receivers in a timely manner and penalties are no more effective than a slap on the wrist.

The only way to curtail fund-raising is to eliminate the primary system and limit the length of campaigns. Candidates should be nominated by party select committees and the actual campaigns should be no more than six weeks in length. Hopefully Congress will muster the courage to pass laws to accomplish this. Then, maybe we can have a candidate who will receive at least 50% of the vote.

PAUL W. BERNSTEIN

Beverly Hills