Lawmakers to Introduce Retooled Plan For Public Funding of Congressional Races

Lawmakers to Introduce Retooled Plan For Public Funding of Congressional Races
March 25, 2009

"The only way to break the connection between the lobbyist and the elected official, which is one of the key political reforms of our time, is by going to public funding of all congressional and Senate campaigns," Bradley said in statement issued by ACR March 25.

Rudman cited the "overwhelming cynicism" of the American public about the political system, which he said was principally caused by a sense that Congress has been corrupted by special interest money. He added: "I think the continuation of the present system will continue to erode what confidence is left in the government by the America people."

John Rauh, the founder and chairman of ACR, told BNA in a phone interview March 25 that he believed public financing supporters "absolutely" have a chance to succeed in a renewed effort to pass legislation over the next two years. He cited public outrage over the influence of money in politics, as well as support for change from key figures in Washington.