Segal Calls for Overhaul of Campaign Financing
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Congressional candidate David Segal called for sweeping reform of campaign financing yesterday that would limit the role of corporate money in elections and provide public financing for candidates.
“Rhode Islanders want to elect a Congressperson who they can trust to be honest and accountable to the voters, and fight against special interests and political corruption, and be funded by big banks and powerful corporations,” Segal said. “That is why I have pledged to refuse to take a single penny from any corporate PACs. I am running to represent our working families, not corporations and big campaign donors.”
Segal proposed a constitutional amendment to overturn the recent Citizens United decision that he said allows corporations to spend “unlimited money on elections.” He said he would push for the Fair Elections Now Act, which would provide public financing to candidates who qualify, and the Lobbyist Reform Act, which would require records of meetings between lobbyists and government officials.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“I understand voters’ cynicism and why they distrust what our politicians say. Americans know all too well the corrupting influence of money in politics,” Segal said. “Americans are too familiar with politicians saying one thing while taking money from corporations who have interests directly in conflict with what is best for the people.”
Reforming the process has been a major focus of the four Democratic candidates running for the First District seat in Congress. David Cicilline has called for a lifetime ban on ex-Congressmen serving as lobbyists. Bill Lynch has proposed 12-year term limits for members of Congress. And Anthony Gemma has emphasized getting constituents better connected with their government through the Internet and an iPhone app.
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