Hi John --
It's not news that America's campaign finance system is broken. We've seen story after story about the outsized influence that ultra-rich donors, super PACs, and dark money have on our politics. However, new reporting is shedding light on just how outsized that influence is.
Data compiled by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics showed that just 12 political mega-donors accounted for $3.4 BILLION in contributions to federal candidates between January 2009 and December 2020. That's about 7.5% of all political donations during that time -- all from 12 people.
The numbers are astounding and a sign of a sick democracy. Here's what we need to do about it.
First, we need to elect Democrats that support the For The People Act. Among the many reforms, this bill would create a public election financing program, increase transparency in political giving, and overhaul the Federal Elections Commission. The result would be elections that rely less heavily on ultra-wealthy donors and their huge checks.
Second, we need to recognize the harm that having such a small group with such a large influence does to representation in Congress. Democracy thrives when working class people of all different ethnicities, sexualities, and genders bring their lived experience to the halls of power.
Twelve people cannot possibly represent all of us, yet they are given unfathomable amounts of influence in our current system. That needs to change.
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Ultimately, the people will triumph over billionaire donors. We just need to work together. Thanks for your support.
ASPIRE
