This sounds like a great idea. But sadly, WIS may have a point, shocking as it seems. If they can shuttle the extra campaign cash into PACs or if PACs could fundraise independently, it would be pretty easy to subvert the intent of this law.
I'd be ok with public financing. Have some debates. Throw out some polls. Pick the top 6 to fight in the primary with primary dollars. The top 2 go on to the election with election dollars. The time frames are limited to months before the elections and the hope is that we forget about the elections in the between time. I think if we were to open the idea of citizens giving money to candidates there should be some kind of rebate, like everyone in Seattle can donate $25 to a candidate with a coupon and $25 to from their own pocket if they choose. The less politicians are forced to focus on raising money from large piles the better, I don't like the year long campaign season and I think 6 months would be pushing it. >.