From Wesleyan Democracy Matters:
With nearly $2 billion spent by House and Senate candidates, the 2010 midterm elections were easily the most expensive midterm elections in U.S. history. When a Senator, on average, spends 1/3 of his or her time fund-raising, we can’t be surprised nothing gets done.
The Fair Elections Now Act (FENA) would allow candidates to reject the status quo which necessitates donations from mostly old white men. Through a combination of small donation under $100 and public financing, candidates can be financially competitive without prostituting themselves to corporations.
Comprehensive election reform has never had a better chance of passing. Now is the time to act!
Please take 60 seconds and sign the Wesleyan Democracy Matters petition in support of the Fair Elections Now Act.
For more information about FENA, click here.
I support this act. Democrats receive so much support from the ultra-wealthy that it’s putting our liberties and rights in jeopardy.
This act will ultimately help the Republicans and it will harm the Democrats.
Can’t do shit without money; campaign donations, and large sums at that, are needed for even your precious Democrats.
Oh, also, the SC called. They say that monetary donations are covered under free speech.
Democracy Matters is not affiliated with any particular political party.
As Syed said, Democracy Matters is non-partisan. You can check out our website here: http://www.democracymatters.org/.
You neglected to read about the Act. FENA is a voluntary program, crafted in such a way that those who use public financing will get similar financial resources as those who do not. Those who want to raise money from corporations, still can. However, if the Connecticut public financing system is any indication (81% of candidates have opted-in), most will choose to opt-in, because, frankly, raising money from corporations and wealthy citizens is a huge pain in the ass!
The system is very similar to the one in Connecticut. In fact the system in CT was challenged in court this past summer and only two small provisions were struck down. The national bill does not contain those provisions. The Supreme Court has said donations are “free speech,” (an interpretation which many legal scholars disagree with) but even under their interpretation of free speech, FENA is entirely constitutional.