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Senator Boxer: Shining a Light on Secret Campaign Contributions
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Dear Friend:
Today Senate Republicans again blocked the DISCLOSE Act, legislation that would require Super PACs and other groups that are pouring millions of dollars into elections to identify their top donors and the amount they spend. To read more, please click here.
American voters have a right to know who is bankrolling candidates for public office. The Republicans’ opposition to this common-sense measure begs the question: “What are they trying to hide?”
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
Your Voice Counts: Californians Respond to This Message +
The only logical solution is 100% publicly funded elections. Everyone gets the same $ to speak their mind and let the constituents decided :-)
Chris, Roseville
The Republicans decision to hide the names of their donors reminds me of Watergate and Iran Contra. Laws should be passed to stop this. Otherwise, we will end up with a puppet government, one that is controlled my wealthy donors, entities that won't reveal their identities.
Thadd, San Francisco
I am so sick and tired (as I am sure you are also) of rich Republicans running our political system by buying politicians. It is ridiculous and needs to stop before they run this country totally into the ground. They care nothing about ordinary people like me, who have had to work hard to pay every bill, have hardly ever had health insurance in my life (and I am now 65), and never had enough money to buy a home. At the very least, we deserve to know exactly who is funding the campaigns on both sides.
Teresa, Santa Barbara
I could not agree with you more on your stance on these super PACS. I really cringe when I see what is happening to our fine democracy. I am 83 years of age and have never seen such garbage being produced by these PACS. I feel as if the very wealthy are buying this election and it is getting worse and worse. Frankly it is bad on both sides of the aisle and I have been a true Democrat but something has to be done to bring true people's democracy back to where it began!
Claire, San Francisco
I believe that one should be able to contribute anonymously--what is the fear? Much is not clearly disclosed about all citizens, and we should have an expectation of privacy. I believe that SuperPac donors, whatever their affiliation, should have the right to remain anonymous by choice.
Angela, Los Angeles
Thank you for continuing to stand up for the Affordable Health Care Act, Keeping Jobs in America and the Disclosure Act. I am sure it takes a lot of courage, stamina and conviction to do this but please know that so many of us know and appreciate how faithfully you represent our interests. Senator, I think very seriously that America is at a crossroads. Our democratic form of government is at risk. Please keep fighting for us. A very, very concerned citizen. Thanks
Andrew, Columbia
This is ludicrous. The Republicans are not fit to represent "The People" of America. We need to go back to fairness, goodwill, honesty, and cooperation. They are behaving like contrary teenagers, not responsible adults.
Bonnie, San Diego
Surely your office has more urgent matters to be concerned about. The Supreme Court allowed the PAC contributions to exist; blame them. We have one-eighth of U.S. population, one-THIRD of welfare recipients. Our State indebtedness is among the worst and if the tax Brown is asking for does not gain voter approval, ratings agencies will downgrade our munis making our situation even more dire. We should be seeking PAC funds for California.
Sandra, Los Angeles
Thank you for the great work you are trying to accomplish as Senator, even when the Republicans are attempting to tear it down. Your effort are greatly appreciated.
Richard, Oceanside
Thank you for your emailing on the Disclose Act, which I believe is one of the most important pieces of legislation currently pending. We'll keep proposing and talking with people about it until it passes. I consider the Ranked Voting campaign to be equally important.
Dana, Petaluma
Just as the U.S. House of Representatives keeps bringing bills to repeal the Affordable Care Act to the floor, I urge you to continue to bring acts requiring the disclosure of campaign contributors to the floor of the Senate for a vote. It is important that we hold our elected officials to account for their positions regarding how they perceive federal elections should proceed. Those who believe that anonymous money should be permitted to influence election outcomes, must have their beliefs held up for all voters to see. Regards,
Robert, Huntington Beach
Thank you for your efforts regarding the disclosure of donations to PAC's and other political organizations. Your letter to Pres. Obama thoroughly covered the issues. However, the President knows these issues, and it seems vital to communicate this information to the voters. Each member of Congress who voted against the DISCLOSE Act should be identified repeatedly, particularly if he/she is running for re-election. The voters deserve to know who is in favor of the secrecy that allows a few very wealthy individuals to control elections and circumvent democratic principles upon which our country was founded. I have no particular problem with the size of the donations, but I have a huge problem with the ability to hide those donations.
Darlene, Chula Vista
It's obvious whoever voted against disclosure has something to hide. That's why if anyone group would eradicate all these self-preserving or self-interest politicians everywhere and start fresh (with honest and hard-working) groups of folks, I would be happy to vote for them. I can wait to see politicians that are actually working for the people of this country. I am tired of seeing politicians getting richer and who are not taking care of our people.
Dela, San Francisco
Thank you for sharing this disturbing update about the blocked DISCLOSE Act. It's often frustrating to read about Republican divisive political actions in Washington. It would be helpful if you provided ideas for what we as voters can do in response - the way HRC often provides us with carefully worded letters to auto-send to key decision makers. While that type of action might not be as appropriate from your office, it would be helpful if you provided a link to easily find voting records on these issues to facilitate our ability to write our own letters. In any event, I wanted to express my appreciation for these updates, even when the news is frustrating.
Herb, San Francisco


