Schrader Introduces Constitutional Amendment on Money in Politics
Evan Manvel
Congressman Kurt Schrader isn’t making small plans.
Frustrated with the power of special interests in elections, and court decisions that blur the distinction between money and political speech (such as Citizens United), Schrader is introducing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to give Congress and the states the ability to limit the use of money in politics.
Special interests should not have the ability to use millions to influence our elections. It’s a matter of fairness. They don’t want a level playing field and they will spend millions to keep it that way.
While there are some small changes Congress can make around the edges, the major problem is the Supreme Court’s 1974 flawed decision in Buckley v. Valeo that money equals free speech.
That’s why I have introduced an Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving individual states and Congress the authority to limit the influence of special interests in our elections. (Read the text here.)
Of course, it’s a long shot. Not only would it have to get through Congress with two-thirds majority in each chamber, but be ratified by 38 states. In my lifetime, only one amendment has successfully been added (limiting Congressional raises). Since 1789, over ten thousand amendments have been introduced, 27 of which have been adopted.
While perhaps a Sisyphean task, Schrader argues the fight must begin. His e-mail calls for folks to sign up to help.
More about the amendment from Schrader's office, with a form to sign up.
[Update, from Kari: Congressman Schrader will be on 620 KPOJ tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. to discuss.]
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1:41 p.m.
Jul 13, '11
Congressman Schrader has been a leader on addressing the undue influence of money in politics since he was in the Oregon legislature. I appreciate and support his efforts, and encourage others to do the same.
Sadly, we cannot even get leadership in the Oregon legislature to move forward on enhanced campaign disclosure, even though it has overwhelming support of voters, and solid bi-partisan support in both chambers.
1:42 p.m.
Jul 13, '11
Campaign finance is the mother of all issues. Given the current Supreme Court,it seems a Constitutional Amendment is the only way to go. I am concerned about how this would constrain grassroots campaigning, as it covers in-kind contributions. Also, would money collected in small amounts from many people be treated the same as a single large contribution?
If the mechanics on this seem sound, I am prepared to get involved.
4:11 p.m.
Jul 13, '11
Tom, the proposed amendment does not itself establish any limits on anybody or anything. It allows Congress to pass laws that would do that for federal elections and state legislatures to do so for state elections.
It does say that when congress creates such laws they have to apply equally to all citizens and groups of citizens.
1:45 p.m.
Jul 13, '11
Kudos to Kurt! This is the only road left to finance reform, thanks to the right wing corporatist crazies who now run the Supreme Court.
1:51 p.m.
Jul 13, '11
It's funny I clicked on the "Read the text here" link and the website asked me for money. How you lefties do this with a straight face I will never know.
3:08 p.m.
Jul 13, '11
Um, all campaign websites are going to have a donate link on 'em somewhere.
But no, Congressman Schrader didn't ask for money in the context of discussing his constitutional amendment.
[Full disclosure: My firm built Kurt Schrader's campaign website. I speak only for myself.]
1:53 p.m.
Jul 13, '11
Then I noticed that his Website was brought to us by the same people that bring you Blue Oregon tsk tsk.
2:12 p.m.
Jul 13, '11
Ya, lefties are a bunch of Machiavellians next to the Boy Scout right, eh?
3:11 p.m.
Jul 13, '11
Hey John, I'm the only person involved with BlueOregon that's involved with the Schrader website.
Evan Manvel is perfectly capable of having his own ideas.
In any case, my dual role isn't a secret. I disclose all over the place (which is how you know enough to complain), and this was even the topic of a front page Sunday Oregonian story back in 2006. Not a big deal.
9:37 p.m.
Jul 13, '11
I am proud of Congressman Schrader for taking this step. Sure it would amazing if it were achieved within the decade, but wow, is it pleasing that Schrader introduced this Constitutional Amendment.
11:22 a.m.
Jul 14, '11
Of course the resistance will be fierce and insidious. This can happen only if the people demand it - and they well should.