[GPSCC-chat] Unlimited PAC Dollars Distort Democracy Covertly

[Brian Good]

I heard a story on NPR (and I can't now recall the particulars) about a progressive
candidate in the Sacramento area, a college professor whose shoestring campaign
was surprisingly successful and who was very close to winning.  In the last week
before the election a blitz of attack ads funded by contributors from outside the
district knocked the professor down.  The program made the point that candidates 
that threaten the status quo must expect to face misleading or even lying ad 
campaigns funded by groups with names like "Citizens for Rational Tax Policies", 
and this inhibits those who might be inclined to speak out against the powerful 
and wealthy special interests.

Disclosure of who exactly is funding political ads is a first step toward reversing 
the effects of this flood of PAC money.

The California DISCLOSE Act will be considered in the CA state legislature this
month.  The immediate need is for letters to Senate President Pro Tem Darrell
Steinberg, asking him to make passing AB1648 a priority.




Handwritten letters really stand out.  Please take a few minutes to write him a 
hand-written letter (even a few sentences).  Include in your letter one or two 
points below and use your own words:

Thank him for being such a strong advocate of Clean Money and campaign 
finance reform.

Voters have the right to know who’s paying for political ads so they can make
 informed decisions.

It’s time to stop special interests from deceiving voters when they hide who’s
 paying for political ads.

It’s a good idea to make sure that political ads have to clearly state who their
 largest funders are.  If federal candidates have to stand by their ad, then 
special interests should, too.

You are happy that the California Democratic Party endorses, as well as the 
more than 300 other organizations and leaders that endorse it.

You strongly agree with the 84% of Californians in the Field Poll who want
this kind of disclosure.

What are opponents to real disclosure trying to hide?

California can lead the way for the rest of the country for real disclosure!

Also be sure to say something like:
How much it would mean to you if he took leadership by co-authoring 
AB 1648 and doing everything he can to help the California DISCLOSE Act pass.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Example Letter – PLEASE USE YOUR OWN WORDS!
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, CA  Your Zip



Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg    
State Capitol, Room 205                           
Sacramento, CA 95814    
                     
Dear Senator Steinberg,

Thank you for being such a strong advocate of Clean Money and campaign
 finance reform .  AB 1648, the California DISCLOSE Act, is a crucial bill,
 because we need to stop special interests from deceiving voters when they 
hide who’s paying for their political ads.

California has the chance to lead the way for the rest of the country for 
real disclosure.  It will mean a lot to me if you make sure it passes!
    
Sincerely,

<Your Signature>
 		 	   		  
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