Godless Mom in the Bible Belt

I've been thinking for a while now that we are in need of a serious political toilet flush. It seems that every day brings new news of corruption, bribes, influence peddling and such and it leaves me wondering if the country has been placed on cruise control while all our elected officials are busy trying to keep themselves out of jail. I'm not pointing fingers either, there is corruption running through both parties starting from small local governments and running all the way to the top.

Connecticut just passed a pretty strict campaign finance reform law. While it is a step in the right direction, it seems that there is some question regarding whether it discriminates against 3rd party candidates.

I don't want those I elect to office to put the concerns of big business or big unions before the concerns of it's average citizens.

I'm also sick to death of having only two candidates to choose from every time I vote. This is a hugely diverse nation and yet we are constantly stuck with trying to choose the lesser of two evils. It makes no sense.

It seems like some sweeping campaign finance reform would do the trick. It would make our elected officials much less indebted to those who would put their own interests before the interests of the country and it would allow a more level playing field for third party candidates.

So, here is an idea (and I freely admit to being woefully uneducated about this subject, so if someone has more knowledge please chime in.) How about we make it legal for every citizen of the US to give a maximum of $200 per year and no more. No donations from PACs or corporations or unions or Santa Claus. Maybe even limit it to donating directly to the candidate rather than through the party?

What do you guys think? Are corruption and lack of choice problems which could be addressed by campaign finance reform?