Poizner poured millions into his failed bid for the state Assembly. And while his effort to buy a state office was unsuccessful, it does emphasize the importance of much-needed spending limits for office-seekers all the way from local councils to the highest office in the land.

The figures are still being tabulated, but the numbers show that as of Oct. 26 Andrew Barnes spent at least $24,000 in his attempt to become a member of the Saratoga City Council—numbers that could still go up. In 2002, Barnes spent more than $30,000 in his council bid.

The figures—even Poizner's gaudy $5.95 million expenditure—pale in comparison with politicians seeking national office. President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry waged the most expensive race in history for the U.S. presidency, spending $600 million on radio and television advertising alone—three times as much as was spent just four years ago. It's that kind of careless spending, especially in these troubled economic times, that sends the wrong message to candidates running for state and local office.

We need leaders, not spenders. We need candidates who represent the everyman, not just the wealthy. We need campaign spending limits for all levels of elected office—from the council to the presidency—to even the playing field for anyone wishing to seek public service.

We don't need a candidate spending $6 million to buy a seat in the state house, or even a candidate spending more than $30,000 to win a seat on a city council.

Enough is enough!