Campaign Finance Reform Can't Stop with Overturning Citizens United
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The Massachusetts State Senate recently passed, by a vote of 35-1, a bipartisan resolution calling for the U.S. Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. This is a critical first step in the vital reform of our campaign finance laws, but it's just the beginning. In order to fully restore democracy, and make sure that it's the people electing candidates and not corporate and special interest money, we need comprehensive campaign finance campaign reform (also known as “Clean Elections”).
State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, the lead sponsor of the resolution, Senate bill 772, said, “In two short years, the Citizens United decision has upended our election system, and the voices of ordinary Americans risk being drowned out by the tens of millions of dollars that are being poured into attack ads paid for by corporate donors.”
That is why as Chair of the Concord Democratic Town Committee, I led the effort for the committee to vote to support the effort by Senator Eldridge and our own state Rep. Cory Atkins, D-Concord, to call for a constitutional amendment, and last year as co-chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s Public Policy Subcommittee I organized a forum discussing Citizens United at the 2011 Democratic State Convention.
It's also why I had Jeff Clements, author of "Corporatations Are Not People" and founder of "Free Speech for People" as a guest on my talk show to make sure more people would know about how corporate campaign cash is harming our democracy, and what we need to do to keep it out of our political system. (The show aired on local cable stations throughout Massachusetts and can be seen online by going to: www.Vimeo.com/19758209.)
But overturning the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision is just the first step. Our country’s campaign finance system, including here in Massachusetts is deeply broken.
This year, Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin has stated that lobbyists will spend more money contributing to candidates than ever before in Massachusetts. The current campaign finance system is gamed for corporate special interests, attacking efforts to pass legislation ranging from universal single- payer health care to greater transparency with corporate tax breaks.
This is wrong. Important legislation before the Massachusetts Legislature that would make a critical difference in the lives of Massachusetts residents has little chance to see the light of day, with the ability of corporate lobbyists, and the clients they represent, spending unlimited amounts of money to prevent legislation as common-sense as the updated Bottle Bill from coming up.
Eldridge is the only person ever elected in Massachusetts under the Clean Elections law, which was passed by the over two-thirds of the voters of Massachusetts in 1998, only to be repealed in 2003 by the Legislature and Governor Romney. Under that law, candidates who received a certain number of signatures and minimal contributions receive public funding in exchange for foregoing large donations and political action committee (PACs) contributions. This ensures that corporate special interests or wealthy individuals don’t have an inordinate influence on the kind of candidates that are elected to public office, and candidates can focus on the interests of the people they represent.
With comprehensive campaign finance “Clean Elections” reform, we'll rid our political system of the flood of corporate and special interest money that is poisoning our democracy. If you really believe that we should have a government that is elected by the people, and that represents the people, and acts on behalf of the people, you'll support clean money campaign reform. So long as monied interests are allowed to buy elections, the people will not have the government the framers of the United States Constitution intended.
To those who have lost faith in government, and to those who say it doesn't matter who wins, I say, "If the government doesn't make any difference, why do you think the Koch brothers are trying to buy it?" Corporations know the government has tremendous power, and they're using campaign finance law to elect candidates who will do their bidding.
If elected to represent the 3rd Middlesex district, I plan to file public campaign finance legislation that will reduce the influence of special interests and wealthy donors, and allow elected officials to focus on the serving the needs of their districts, and no one else.
Paul Tress
9:50 am on Monday, July 30, 2012
The Massachusetts legislature is ruled by the Speaker of the House. This usually is the only election that really counts in this state, since this is where the power resides. Any proposed legislation is meaningless unless 'blessed' by the Speaker. A better use of efforts would be to make this a ballot initiative in the future.
If you or any candidate really wants to help Chelmsford, run on a platform of bringing back one house seat for all of Chelmsford, which was removed by redistricting under the direction of a former speaker.
Iron Mike
7:24 am on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Aah Mara M'Dear, your socialist roots are showing.
First, be thoroughly skeptical of ANYthing JamieBoy espouses. He is all about his 'special agendas' – and damn the rest of the population. Specifically he claimed personal credit for giving Evergreen Solar $54 Million of our tax dollars.
Then he spent 2 full years pushing the Transgender Bathroom Bill, while Evergreen went bankrupt – and Fidelity was moving thousands of 'clean/green' jobs OUT of state.
So corporations AREN'T people, but labor unions ARE?
People lose faith in government when ideologues like you and Eldridge pass different laws for different groups of people, - like the recent attempt to force home daycare centers to unionize.
We lose more faith in 'government' when we see UN Agenda 21 and UN Gun Control getting political support OVER our Constitution and OUR National Interests.
We lose complete faith in 'government' when we see you turning it into a cushy lifetime career for corrupt politicians [the three speakers], their families [O'Brien's wife at the Lottery] – all the while running the bloated beast in BORROWED MONEY!
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
7:49 am on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
If you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Mara's hammer was forged by Democrats. It can only be used to tax and spend.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
Alice H
9:17 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
ah, those old cliches serve you well and offer a real insight into your mental abilities.
Alan Seferian
8:55 am on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
I think Mara owes it both to her constituents and critics like Iron Mike to be very explicit about whether she considers labor unions to be "special interests", and thus also subject to the "reforms" she's talking about. Ball's in your court, Mara . . .
William Bohnwagner
10:01 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Mara Citizens United? I see that you side with Corey Atkins on this issue, do you really think the votes being made are going to change the Supreme Court decision? How about jobs and the economy? Illegal Immigrants or safe communities? Less goverment and return to the local level, easier to police for less money. We raise enough money with taxes liberals just spend too much. Do you live beyond your means? I doubt it. Then run Goverment like you would your own house or stay in your current job. YOU WONT get my vote nor any other ultra liberals
Sam Adams
10:37 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
This whole "Corporations aren't people" thing is a catchy slogan, but is it true? Isn't a corporation simply a gathering of people, like a union, church, charity or other group? Are people only granted rights as an individual, not when in a group?
Also, if corporations aren't people, why are they taxed?
Alice H
9:20 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Corporations are groups of people, but they make decisions not democratically in representation of those people but to satisfy their profit goals, shareholders, and the bonuses of their leaders. And, they use their corporate coffers to influence elections and buy favors--in their own interests and not in the interests of their employees or the middle class.
Iron Mike
11:00 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Aw Sam, there you go opening yet another can of Democrat worms. Durn!
Ya see, Democrats have a whole slew of 'special categories of people' – with labels for ALL of them.
Illegal immigrants = 'undocumented Democrat voters'
Criminal w/ long rap sheet = 'Victim of his childhood'
Descendants of Irish immigrants = 'union families'
Descendants of American Indian tribes = 'Casino Partners'
TEA Party member = 'racist old white guy'
Business Owners = 'Rich 1% not paying fair share'
Palestinian terrorist groups = 'oppressed freedom fighters'
Descendants of Southern Slaves = 'Oppressed minority'
Rich cannery owner = 'House Minority Leader'
America's National Village Idiot = 'brilliant economist'
Descendant of Kenyan PhD student = 'American President'
Alice H
9:21 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wow, it is really refreshing to see you be so open about your prejudices.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
8:33 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Careful, Iron Mike. After the 22nd Amendment is revised, and Obama begins his third term as President-for-Life, these comments would be considered hate crime.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
Iron Mike
8:48 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Why bother revising the 22nd? Why take a chance with Congress or the will of the People?
Won't he suddenly become eligible for two (2) more terms after he declares himself to be a Natural Born Citizen by Executive Order?
And by then, Princess Michelle should be the US Senator from the District of Columbia...
Alice H
9:23 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wow, Iron Mike. Are you really so far out in right field that you doubt the legitimacy of our president's birth? You really are in a small fringe group now. Even most Republicans see the birther issue as moronic and untrue. Just you, Trump and some flagrant yahoos in the birther boat.
Iron Mike
10:14 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Somehow the birth certificate issue offends you Alice? So sorry – it offends me too! So please answer these simple questions. Don't beat around the bush – just simple answers...
Are you from Wonderland?
What is YOUR solution to our $102 BILLION State Debt? Who, - When, - and HOW do you think it will EVER be paid off?
Other than 16.3 State employees PER SQUARE MILE, - what did we buy with $102 Billion borrowed dollars?
How will borrowing, taxing, and spending even more help us?
Iron Mike
9:44 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
See what you've done Sam? You DID open a can of worms! Just look at what popped out...
Alice H
12:13 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Please tell me why you think I should answer your questions about the state budget when my comment to you related to your ridiculous persistence in doubting the legitimacy of our president's birth certificate.
Sam Adams
10:55 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
@Alice - Most of what you said is subjective - you could argue any number of types of groups do the same thing in terms of spending political dollars to further their own interests. I still don't see where it disqualifies a corporation from simply being a group of people. What you said doesn't even apply to all corporations - many nonprofits are set up as corporations for numerous legal and practical reasons.
I think lost in the battle to make these big corporations look like bad guys is the fact that a corporation is simply a legal and tax designation, and the umbrella under which organizations fall under it is vast - some have the characteristics you describe and some certainly do not.
Alice H
12:15 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Who isn't commenting subjectively here, Sam? Nice verbal ploy, but not very meaningful.
Iron Mike
12:35 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
To Alice from Wonderland...
Answer if you can. The issue is Mz Dolan – the Socialist Candidate running to replace falling-down-drunk State Senator Susan Fargo. [Fargo's great crusade was to make Rex Trailer our State Cowboy – Massachusetts being such a renowned cattle-raising state you know!]
Whoever wins will either start to address the $102 Billion Debt, - or ADD TO IT by BORROWING MORE.
So what is YOUR solution? Dolan doesn't have one; - why is she running? Maybe she'll adopt yours.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
12:54 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Iron Mike,
"Think of the children."
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
Iron Mike
1:10 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
What Rev, - you don't think our kids NEED a 'State Cowboy, do you?
I think what they need is some honest fiscal conservatives in their State House - which they don't have with Fargo, and they sure ain't gonna get with some of these socialists running across the state now.
Mara is actually one of the more dangerous ones - because she's real attractive - and that will suck in a lot of voters who'll look no further. She is a future Nancy Pelosi. [Yeah, hard to believe now - but in her youth Pelosi was a looker too].
Patrick Ball
1:55 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Alright guys, this comment train has run way off the tracks. You're getting off topic for one, and, Rev, you've gotta know by know that calling Pelosi the Antichrist is where I have to draw the line.
So reel it in or I'm shutting off comments on this post.
Your faithful editor,
Patrick Ball
Iron Mike
2:35 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Patrick, I'm looking forward to YOUR hard-hitting in-depth interview with Mz. Dolan.
I hope you'll ask her some tough questions – and no softballs:
- As you seek to replace Susan Fargo – what was her major legislative accomplishment?
- What is your single most urgent legislative priority, - and why?
- How worried are you about our $102 state debt [over $15.5K per person]?
- How and when do you think we can shrink state government?
- Do you think industry can ever be lured into returning to our state? How?
- How does having 160,000 illegals living here – protected by the governor – help our economy?
- When the administration was forced to reveal that in 2010 emergency room visits alone for illegals cost us $93 Million, and that went up to $108 Million last year – is that fair to our taxpaying citizens?
- Why do so many Democrats in state government get into trouble with the law?
- Will you vote for a death penalty bill for capital murder, murder with torture, murder with rape, and multiple murder, and murder by a repeat offender?
Since the 'main stream media' won't ask her; I'm really hoping you will.
She wrote 11 paragraphs about the evils of money in campaigns, all the while implying it was Republican money. Does she know who is the richest Democrat in our state?
After she's sat down with you - go ask the rest of the wannabes....
Alan Seferian
2:57 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
To add to Iron Mike's list:
Why did you pledge your support to an out-of-district teachers union whose goals don't necessarily correspond to the needs of the communities *in* your district?
DCheneyNo2
8:11 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Chick Fil A for everyone---Iron Mike is right---far right---Only Repubs can solve problems----Hey Mike were you waving a flag fro your buddy W on the Mission Accomplished ship ---He was the worst and enabled by people masking racism and misogyny with "conservatism"---Yeah, let's have more of that.....
Iron Mike
8:44 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Two points 'Dick'...
1. Use your real name if you care to attack
2. Better not bring up 'racism' and try to link it to the Republican Party. I know the history of the Democratic Party and racism, - and clearly you don't.
Would you like the quick lesson, - or would you like to go google it and then quietly delete your comment? I'll give you until 9 AM Friday... [Here's a quick hint – google ax handles and baseball bats.]
Which president is going down in history as the Food Stamp President?
Iron Mike
10:18 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
History of Democrat Racism:
4 million slaves. Does John Calhoun ring a bell?
Southern Dems threatened to secede - fired the first shots of the Civil War.
A Southern Dem assassinated Pres Lincoln.
Jim Crow laws, the KKK, - thousands lynched.
Woodrow Wilson re-segregated the US Army prior to WWI.
Margaret Sanger – proponent of eugenics – opened abortion clinics to 'reduce the populations of unfit peoples', - founded Planned Parenthood, now - aborts a preponderance of Black babies.
Dixicrat Party to oppose Civil Rights. Strom Thurmond ran as a Dixicrat. Robert Byrd was a member of the KKK in West Virginia.
Opposed school integration; Faubus, Wallace, Maddox stood in schoolhouse doors w/ ax handles and bats.
Boston Dems opposed busing [rioted] in 70s. Remember Judge Arthur Garrity? Remember Gov Sargent calling out the Guard to keep order in Southie?
Opposed civil rights and voting laws – until JFK shot. Now w/ control of Teacher Unions, Dems keep Blacks in failing schools - fight charter schools and vouchers.
Increased welfare dependency for Black and Latino inner city populations.
W/ Affirmative Action and quotas Dems essentially argue Blacks and other minorities incapable of achieving success on their own individual merits.
Hypocrisy; Remember Patches shoving a Black woman at the airport?
AND, our 'first black president' - DOUBLED Black unemployment!?!
Sam Adams
10:56 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
@Alice - my point is, to qualify a group as "people" or not based on some subjective measures, like they make their decisions to satisfy so and so, is simply ridiculous. Someone could say, for example, unions make their decisions based on what is best for their top leaders, not the people in the trenches - does this mean they should be robbed of their freedoms, or they aren't people?
I'm just not sure from a substantive perspective what disqualifies a corporation from simply being a group of people, and being entitled to the rights any other group had - being mean and greedy just doesn't cut it for me, sorry.
Iron Mike
11:07 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Sam,...you're trying to have an intelligent conversation with a knee-jerk liberal?
Gotta give you credit for trying, but it's way late in the game...probably hopeless.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
7:33 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
"Liberals feel; conservatives think."
HughJacobs
5:50 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Uh, is anyone monitoring this blog and if so, why do you allow it to be overrun by Fox News trolls?---This is not thoughtful commentary....its the Sean Hannity Show?
Andrew Sylvia
5:54 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Hi Hugh,
Sorry, things are still in transition somewhat until Monday.
Guys, please tone it down a little. You can state your views without being disrespectful of other viewpoints. Thanks.
Paul Tress
5:54 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
No one is preventing the MSNBC and NRP 'trolls' from writing.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
6:04 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Credit to a Democrat where credit is due. Sixty-seven years ago this month Harry Truman authorized dropping the Big Ones on Japan, thereby saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
MMarcus54
6:25 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Show us on the doll where the Democrats touched you trolls...There, there...let it out.
Alice H
8:36 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012
Awesome, Marcus!
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
1:29 am on Monday, August 6, 2012
Marcus,
Would like to respond to your query but find it impossible. The doll you showed me is not anatomically correct. It is a liberal Democrat doll and not able to produce testosterone for a reason the Patch will not allow me to discuss.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
6:35 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
We will let it out... November 6th.
SueChap
3:54 am on Monday, August 6, 2012
Reverend, we can only hope.
Aron Levy
4:26 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Sound and fury, all for nought...
Look at the Electoral College numbers. Something tells me you folks won't be making as much of a ruckus as you expect.