Washington, D.C.—Campaign finance watchdog Public Campaign applauded President Obama’s campaign for introducing text message donations and urged others to follow suit as a way to empower small dollar donors in our political system.

“President Obama revolutionized small donor fundraising in 2008—and introducing text message donations of $50 or less is an extension of that,” said Aaron Scherb, Legislative Program Manager at Public Campaign. “We urge other candidates, including Gov. Mitt Romney, to do the same to help raise the voices of everyday people in our political process."

Last Wednesday, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) gave additional clarifications about text message donations after last minute objections by wireless companies. In June, Public Campaign and nine organizations sent a letter to the FEC urging them to approve the proposal, noting that:

“Small donors are a critical component of our democratic process, and technology can play a crucial role in helping to empower the voices of more Americans. More than 30 million Americans have texted a contribution to a charitable cause, and many people would likely text a donation to a political candidate if the practice is enabled [at the federal level].”

California Rep. Susan Davis (D) and 14 of her colleagues also sent a letter to the FEC supporting the measure.

“With wealthy special interests drowning out the voices of hardworking Americans, text message donations can enhance the role of small donors in our political process, and combined with a small donor matching system like the Fair Elections Now Act, serve as a megaphone for the masses,” said Scherb.

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Public Campaign is a national nonpartisan organization that fights to raise the voices of everyday people in our democracy through changing our campaign finance laws and through holding elected.