Fair Elections Now Act

See this link to become a citizen co-sponsor of Senator Durbin's proposed legislation. From the Senator's email:

This morning, the Supreme Court made it even easier for ultra-rich donors like the Koch brothers to buy our democracy -- and it makes me sick to my stomach. By a narrow 5-4 decision, the Court struck down aggregate contribution limits for individual political donors. What that means is that now, a single person can dole out millions of dollars to candidates, party organizations, and PACs all across the country.

Now the Supreme Court has given America's wealthiest even more opportunity to buy their way into our elections and diminish the role of average citizens. Well I'm not just going to sit by and watch the Koch brothers take over even more of our democracy. So I'm redoubling my efforts to pass the Fair Elections Now Act, which would curb the growing influence of big money -- and I want you to join me.

Please click here to become a citizen co-sponsor of the Fair Elections Now Act -- my legislation that would curb the dangerous influence of big money in campaigns.

Justice Stephen Breyer, in the dissent, summarized the conservative majority's ruling perfectly:

"If the court in Citizens United opened a door, today's decision we fear will open a floodgate. It understates the importance of protecting the political integrity of our governmental institution. It creates, we think, a loophole that will allow a single individual to contribute millions of dollars to a political party or to a candidate's campaign."

The Fair Elections Now Act is more important than ever. The Court's ruling will give the wealthy elite even more control over our democratic process, pushing ordinary American voters out even more.

My bill would encourage candidates to participate in elections without taking money from special interests or big donors. Candidates who instead agree to limit their spending to amounts raised from grassroots donors would receive grants from the Fair Election Fund and discounts on advertising.

Furthermore, the innovative "My Voice Tax Credit" would help counter the extreme influence secret big-money donors have now by encouraging more middle-class folks to contribute to campaigns.

I fear for the future of our democracy if we don't act. But passing this legislation won’t be easy -- Republicans love the judicial dismantling of campaign finance laws, because it disproportionately benefits them and their corporate friends.

Please click here to become a citizen co-sponsor of the Fair Elections Now Act -- my legislation that would curb the dangerous influence of big money in campaigns.

Yours,

Dick Durbin
U.S. Senator

P.S. If you are keeping score at the Supreme Court, the final was American Oligarchs: 5 and Average Americans: 4. Another loss for integrity in our elections.