BUCKLEY v. VALEO
1
Per Curiam
suggest, however, that the constitutionality of Subtitle H
therefore hinges solely on whether some alternative is
afforded overlooks the rationale of the operative constitutional principles. Our decisions finding a need for an
alternative means turn on the nature and extent of the
burden imposed in the absence of available alternatives.
We have earlier stated our view that Chapter 95 is far
less burdensome upon and restrictive of constitutional
rights than the regulations involved in the ballot-access
cases. See supra, at 94-95. Moreover, expenditure
limits for major parties and candidates may well improve
the chances of nonmajor parties and their candidates to
receive funds and increase their spending. Any risk of
harm to minority interests is speculative due to our
present lack of knowledge of the practical effects of public
financing and cannot overcome the force of the governmental interests against use of public money to foster
frivolous candidacies, create a system of splintered parties, and encourage unrestrained factionalism.
Appellants' reliance on the alternative-means analyses
of the ballot-access cases generally fails to recognize a
significant distinction from the instant case. The primary goal of all candidates is to carry on a successful
campaign by communicating to the voters persuasive
reasons for electing them. In some of the ballot-access
cases the States afforded candidates alternative means
for qualifying for the ballot, a step in any campaign that,
with rare exceptions, is essential to successful effort.
Chapter 95 concededly provides only one method of obtaining pre-election financing; such funding is, however,
not as necessary as being on the ballot. See n. 128, supra.
Plainly, campaigns can be successfully carried out by
means other than public financing; they have been
up to this date, and this avenue is still open to all candidates. And, after all, the important achievements of mi-
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