Momentum building in Congress to change campaigns by empowering small dollar donors

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Fair Elections Coalition, which represents seven national campaign reform organizations, praised Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) today for his leadership in tackling the issue of special-interest money in Washington, D.C. by cosponsoring the bipartisan Fair Elections Now Act, H.R. 1826.

The groups issued the following statement:

"As a vote on the overhaul of our nation's health care system looms, the health care industry continues to spend millions on campaign contributions to influence lawmakers. To ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard, we need to change the way congressional elections are financed. That's why we are grateful that Rep. McNerney has signed onto the Fair Elections Now Act.

"We look forward to working with Rep. McNerney to pass this practical proven campaign reform program."

The Fair Elections Now Act provides qualified congressional candidates public financing once they demonstrate broad public support by raising a large number of small donations. The House legislation, which was introduced by Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), has 114 cosponsors, more than half of the 218 lawmakers needed to pass the legislation. For a full summary of the legislation, visit www.fairelectionsnow.org.

The Fair Elections Now Coalition includes the Brennan Center for Justice, Change Congress, Common Cause, Democracy Matters, Public Campaign, Public Citizen, and U.S. Public Interest Research Group. Three-dozen additional organizations have endorsed the Fair Elections Now Act. For more information about the bill and the coalition, visit www.fairelectionsnow.org.

SOURCE Fair Elections Now Coalition