Issue Position: Campaign Finance Reform
Issue Position
During Mark Pocan's very first term in 1999, he began exposing the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a lobbying organization and corporate bill mill supported by large corporations that wines and dines state legislators without restriction. Mark has defended consumers and working families against the wealthy corporate special interests. His bill to require 100 percent public financing of elections still goes further than any other legislation in removing special interest money from the political process.
In the current Congress, Mark supports the DISCLOSE Act and the Fair Elections Now Act, as well as the Saving American Democracy Amendment, which calls for an amendment to the Constitution to overturn the dangerous Citizens United ruling. These measures all limit and help expose the large sums of money involved in political campaigns.
Mark's Accomplishments:
Co-sponsored and helped pass the 100 percent public financing bill for Supreme Court elections.
Authored and introduced a bill to create 100 percent public financing in all state elections.
Banned fundraising in the Assembly during the state budget process.
Passed a law that created a paper ballot of record for all electronic voting machines.
Exposed American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) tax evading practices.
Called a "national leader" in the fight against ALEC.
Led effort to support a resolution to amend the constitution to end corporate personhood.
Mark's To-Do List:
Continue to support 100 percent public financing for political campaigns.
Build support for and pass a Constitutional amendment, if the Supreme Court does not reverse its dangerous Citizens United decision.
Pass the DISCLOSE Act, forcing corporations to disclose campaign contributions and expenditures.
Pass the Fair Elections Now Act, which would allow federal candidates to run for office without relying on large contributions, big money bundlers, or donations from lobbyists.
Increase ethics regulations on Members of Congress, including prohibiting investing in companies or industries where they have insider information and prohibiting lobbying activity until 5 years after government service.
Source