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Publicly funded political campaigns are not a good idea as your editorial suggests ("Campaign finance reform," Oct. 23).

First, it forces voters to indirectly support through taxes candidates they may not like.

Second, special interest money will still go toward liked candidates, only it would be covertly with less chance of public monitoring.

Third, while money is necessary for most successful political campaigns, it will rarely if ever overcome unpopular ideas. (For example, would any amount of money get voters to support ending gun-restriction laws — the majority that is?)

Fourth, while public funding might allow nontraditional candidates on the ballot, limitations on outside funding public funding would most likely doom such candidates. They would normally need many times the amount of money incumbents with name recognition have just to be visible. (Think of handicapping in horse racing as an example.)

Fifth, do you really think that politicians are "public servants" who "look past self-serving votes?" If so, I have this bridge over the Potomac I would like to sell to The Gazette.

Gerald Schneider, Kensington