Washington, DC—In response to the introduction of Fair Elections Now Act today, Nick Nyhart, president and CEO of Public Campaign released the following statement:

“Today’s bi-partisan introduction of the Fair Elections Now Act, legislation that would bring spending limits and full public financing to elections for Congress, represents an historic opportunity for every elected official in Congress to say “no” to the politics of big checks and the endless money chase and “yes” to putting voters first.

“Public Campaign commends Sens. Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Arlen Specter (R-PA), and Rep. John Tierney (D-MA) for their outstanding leadership today. They are making a bold effort to turn the big money culture of Washington upside down. Under the Fair Elections Now Act, candidates will depend on ordinary voters in their districts to run a competitive campaign for office. The price for a ticket to a fundraiser is five dollars. Bring a crowd of your neighbors to a backyard barbeque, and you’ll likely draw a candidate for U.S. Congress.

“Contrast that to the scores of political fundraising parties in Washington, D.C. this week, where high dollar lobbyists and their clients will snack on fancy hors d’oeuvres—but the biggest menu item is access to America’s leading lawmakers. The Fair Elections Now Act offers a clear alternative to the unlimited spending and open-ended fundraising chase that has become the essence of our country’s politics.

“Winning Fair Elections will not be an easy task. It will take political leadership, which we are seeing here today. It will also take grassroots support and a broad coalition of voters supporting change. The campaign to win begins today. We are proud to be a part of it.”

The Fair Elections Now Act is modeled on public financing systems in place in seven states and two cities. Last November, more than 200 officials were elected in Arizona, Maine, and North Carolina who ran under public financing systems, often called “Clean Elections” Similar laws are also in place for all or some offices in Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, Vermont, Albuquerque, NM, and Portland, OR.

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Public Campaign is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to sweeping reform that aims to reduce dramatically the influence of special interest money and big contributors on America's elections. Public Campaign is laying the foundation for reform by working with citizen organizations and other groups around the country that are fighting for comprehensive change. Together, we are building powerful national force for state and federal reform.