Should we ban large donations?

From @LabourList

After what must have been a really long day, Gordon Brown sent an email to Party members tonight, applauding the record-breaking effort that took place to raise money to pay for leafleting and help campaign against the BNP.

The PM said:

“Yesterday Ray Collins and Alicia Kennedy emailed you to ask for your help in paying for our final leaflets of this election campaign. I have been humbled by your response. You raised more than we’ve ever raised online in 1 day before.”

It was indeed incredible that in this current climate so many (extra)ordinary Labour members dug deep and contributed towards this specific aim. It is one of the only bright spots in a time of turmoil when so many at the top seem to have lost the plot and Sugar Daddies are in short supply now that times have got tough.

In a further online success this week, Lucy Powell, Labour PPC in Manchester Withington, received two small donations from people she met on Twitter. On her blog, she makes the point that if politicians connect properly with people, make them feel part of a campaign, or rally people behind a common goal then they will give time, effort and money.

This was one of the big lessons of the Obama campaign. If we force politicians to rely on small donations from the public, would we not make the public masters again, instead of relying on moneymen and media moguls?