Common Cents: Campaign Finance Reform Gets Congressional Boost

Yesterday on the Dylan Ratigan Show, Rep. Donna Edwards spoke at length about her recently introduced constitutional amendment that would restore to Congress and the states the authority to regulate corporate spending on political activity. In the post-Citizens United era, corporations have flooded the coffers of minimally regulated outside groups such as Karl Rove and Ed Gillespie’s American Crossroads, which in turn dump millions of secret dollars into elections.

During the interview, Rep. Edwards makes it clear why a constitutional amendment reversing Citizens United is necessary in order for our democracy to function properly. She states that if her legislation is enacted, “We can have people in Washington who really do represent the interests of ordinary people.”

Marge Baker, executive vice-president of People for the American Way issued a statement this week in support of Rep. Edwards’ Constitutional Amendment, saying, “Reversing the damage caused by Citizens United is absolutely crucial to making sure that the American people – and not the deepest-pocketed corporations – hold the keys to our democracy.”

The new flood of unregulated political money flowing around our political leaders is a recipe for disaster – and Americans of all political stripes know it. Last year, a poll conducted by Hart Research Associates for People For the American Way found that 77% of Americans think Congress should support an amendment to limit the amount U.S. corporations can spend to influence elections.

© 2011 People for the American Way