Tha's very idealistic and I'd like to agree, but the thing is you're one voter among millions - tends of millions, if you're electing a Senator in CA. There's a whole string of reforms I'd like to see (beginning with Senate representation) but realistically that requires redrafting the constitution, which isn't happening soon (although it's not as remote a possibility as you may imagine).
But all that said, money does talk and it's the best way to move the needle on a single issue - directly to the candidate if you can do it in quantity, via lobbying organization (eg the EFF) if you can't.
But all that said, money does talk and it's the best way to move the needle on a single issue - directly to the candidate if you can do it in quantity, via lobbying organization (eg the EFF) if you can't.