Money & Politics News

A coalition of national organizations dedicated to passing comprehensive public financing of elections at the state and federal level issued the following statement today in reaction to the unfolding corruption scandal involving Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D-Ill.)

“Yesterday’s revelation that Gov. Blagojevich allegedly tried to sell an appointment to the United States Senate in exchange for political contributions, personal financial benefit, or a high-paying new job has shocked voters of every political stripe and in every corner of our nation. While this specific indictment lands squarely at the Governor’s feet, and he should resign his office immediately, we believe this scandal is further indictment of a campaign finance system gone awry. In most states and in Washington, D.C., the nation’s weak and loophole ridden campaign finance laws breed corruption while shutting out ordinary Americans from equal participation in decisions that impact our lives. When big campaign contributors have more influence than the rest of us, the full promise of democracy is not realized.

We renew our call to the next Congress and the President-elect: Take up and pass comprehensive public financing of congressional and presidential elections. In doing so, the next Congress and the President-elect can free our elected officials from the campaign money chase and allow them to focus entirely on doing the people’s business. .”

The groups signing this statement include Public Campaign, Common Cause, Public Citizen, U.S. PIRG and Democracy Matters.