Real Reform Must Deal With Money In Politics Issues

January 18, 2006--Public Campaign, a non-partisan watchdog group that advocates for publicly financed elections, released the following statement from executive director Nick Nyhart on the lobbying reform proposals put forth by both congressional Democrats and Republicans.

“While the lobbying reforms proposed by congressional Democrats and Republicans are admirable, they do not fully address the scandals like those swirling around disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX), Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH), and others.

“While there is much positive about the proposals to restrict lobbyist funding travel, strengthen ‘revolving door’ laws, and the Democratic proposal to strengthen ethics enforcement, these proposals do not deal with the core issue of lobbyist money in politics. Money in politics issues are woven throughout these scandals. Under our current system, crooked lobbyists like Abramoff and other special interests are put ahead of ordinary voters—and that needs to change. ”

To read a more in depth analysis of how the Abramoff scandal shows the need for changes in our campaign finance system, read Public Campaign’s editorial memo on the subject, posted here: www.publicampaign.org/pressroom/pressreleases/release2006/edboardmemo_01_16_06.htm.