Xavier Becerra: “The parties spent $255 million in 2012 politicking because that is what they are there to do. They have a partisan…”

“The parties spent $255 million in 2012 politicking because that is what they are there to do. They have a partisan position, so they are using their money that people contribute to politick. And by the way, when you make a contribution, you have got to report it when you make a contribution to that political party. $257 million in 2012 was spent by these social welfare organizations on politicking, and under this bill, if it becomes law, guess what? Those contributors won't have to be identified; and so whatever your motives, you get to influence our elections without the American people--who can't do the same thing, because if they give a contribution, they have got to disclose it--without the American people knowing who you are. I don't believe that is where this country wants to go. And I don't care under what good-government kind of window you try to frame this, what you are doing is you are opening the door for secret money to influence our elections--as if it isn't bad enough how much our elections are influenced by people who have wealth and do much more than the average American can ever do. So, Mr. Speaker, this is not a time to do that. Let's vote for openness. And if you vote for openness, you have to vote against this bill.”