Hi John!

Big money has disrupted and infected politics for far too long. It turns elections into auctions, unfairly pitting American voters against corporations and special interest groups with deep pockets. It is rotting the foundation of our democracy.

I believe getting money out of politics is foundational to making progress on almost any other issue. That’s why in 1996, I helped create the first Clean Elections system in the country with the Clean Elections Act here in Maine (when we were horrified that a state senate race cost $6000 to run). When I ran for governor in 2018, I was the only Democratic candidate to run a Clean Elections campaign. Now, I’m renewing that dedication to running a race for the people. I’m not taking corporate PAC money or federal lobbyist money because I’m running to represent you, hard-working Americans whose interests deserve to be represented both in Maine and in Washington.
  Sign Here: End the corrupting influence of big money in politics.
The lack of transparency that exists in political spending is unacceptable. Candidates use loopholes and double speak to hide where their millions of dollars are coming from. That’s why I’m proposing three steps – overturning “Citizens United”, creating a clean elections system on the federal level, and limiting the campaign season to 12 weeks. No one needs to hear constant platitudes and partisan infighting for years on end – it only benefits the political industrial complex in Washington and the high paid consultants who tell candidates what to say and what to wear in order to seem more appealing.

It’s not enough, however, to reduce the influence of the political industrial complex – if American votes are still suppressed, these efforts won’t matter. We need to expand the right to vote. Our current political system disenfranchises far too many citizens. From voter suppression and intimidation to gerrymandering, selfish politicians have manipulated the system for personal gain. They’ve made it work to their benefit and, as a result, our voices and concerns are never even heard on Capitol Hill.
  Petition: Let’s make our political system work for all Americans.
Let’s reclaim a government that was created by the people and intended to work for the people. Getting big money out of politics will be our first and most ambitious step to take back our government.

In solidarity,

Betsy Sweet