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

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Fair Elections Now Coalition, which represents seven national campaign reform organizations, today praised Reps. Steve Kagen (D-Wis.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) for their 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 the health care reform debate enters a critical stage, the health care industry continues to spend millions on campaign contributions to get what it wants. The best way to ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard is to change the way congressional elections are financed, and that's why we are greatly appreciative of Reps. Kagen and Kind for signing onto the Fair Elections Now Act.

"We look forward to working with Reps. Kagen and Kind 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 nearly 90 cosponsors. 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

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http://www.fairelectionsnow.org