Buddy Roemer laments: There's a pizza guy in the GOP debates

Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer, who is a declared Republican presidential candidate although he has not been included in any debates, spoke with MSNBC host Rachel Maddow on Monday about the influence of money on the political process.

"We're in trouble, Rachel, and it is not just my party," he said. "Both parties are together in one thing, they'll take any check from any place to get re-elected."

As part of his presidential campaign, Roemer has stressed the need for campaign finance reform. He has vowed to only accept campaign contributions under $100.

Roemer was a Democrat until 1991, when he switched the Republican Party. He was the governor of Louisiana from 1988 to 1992 and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1988.

After his time in government, he founded Business First Bank.

"But I cannot get on the debate, when others who have no political experience at all -- I mean there's a pizza guy on the debate," Roemer said. "Not to put Herman Cain down, but my god you're running for president. Should some experience count?"

"You know what they don't want to hear about? They don't want to hear about the money. Neither party does, Republicans particularly."

Watch video, courtesy of MSNBC, below:

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Photo credit: Gage Skidmore