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All this talk about reform from Republican blowhards has me thinking - between dry heaves - about the money it takes to run for office. Candidates have to amass a fortune just to compete, which leaves those with the most money enjoying the most influence. Obviously, Republicans are more open to corruption in this regard because a) conservatives as a whole have more money while liberals are busy working for the good of mankind and b) in turn, conservatives give their dirty dollars to likeminded politicians.

Here's an idea for the rest of us: get in the game. Find a progressive candidate you like and send him/her a contribution.

We must help candidates compete and that means people (not corporations) should level the playing field. I'd much rather see a neighborhood alliance from Lutz writing checks than a company specializing in laser-guided missiles. What we lack in big bucks, we make up in moral fortitude. Who says we can't influence public servants to look beyond the big guys and listen carefully to our concerns? I know more than a few elected officials who'd love to hear our discussions and never require a campaign contribution to open their doors - which is why they deserve those contributions the most.

Hold a car wash and send the proceeds to whoever is running against the town bully. Host a house party for your favorite challenger. Pool resources with others and bring the check down to local campaign headquarters with balloons and pizza for overworked staffers. Not sure which candidate deserves your hard-earned money? Research the guy conservatives are endorsing - and then give to the other one. That's always a safe bet.

If you really want to help your neighbors and fellow Floridians, take my lead: Jim Davis is the man with the plan.

In order to get elected, candidates need money. It's their least favorite part of the job and we can help. So we should.

That is all.