Angus King

I want to thank Senator Klobuchar and the other Senators who participated today.

I at least ought to have the opportunity to know who it is.

But the only tool they have left us is disclosure.

I can assure you that this Senator does not view this as a partisan issue.

But what about the issue of information? Part of the--it goes back to the beginning of the country.

What is it you want to focus on? Where do you think the gaps are?

I want to be sure the record shows my appreciation to Speaker Boehner and Leader McConnell for finding you two extraordinarily well qualified, thoughtful people.

I am particularly enthusiastic about this project because I believe, particularly as a former governor, that too often, we have good solutions worked out in individual States and nobody knows about them.

I would not disagree that there are not issues in that regard, but it seems to me it is a balancing case.

If somebody contributes to my campaign, if it is 100 bucks, I have got to list their name, address, phone number, occupation.

The First Amendment undergirds all other rights. We need to defend it with everything we have got.

I think it is a very dangerous suggested addition to the Bill of Rights of our Constitution.

The one I sponsor talks about regulating campaign contributions. It does not talk about banning books or movies.

I appreciate your testimony, and I appreciate your sponsorship and strong support of this legislation.

We all remember the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth in 2004. That was a 527. But that required disclosure of donors.

Requiring people to stand up in public for their political acts fosters civic courage without which democracy is doomed.

Congress should make every effort to pass the DISCLOSE Act.

The Senate should pass a rule amending its ethics code to make it a violation for Senators or senior staffers to solicit large contributions.

I mean, that is what is really going on here. It is a reverse on the whole idea of money laundering.

It is worse than I thought.

The Senate should hold public hearings on the dysfunctional Federal Election Commission.

The ability to be heard is different than the ability to drown out every other point of view using modern technology simply because you have a lot more money than somebody else who has an equally valid view.

I want to thank my colleagues for participating and joining us in this hearing, sharing their thoughts and comments on this important topic.

It may be one of the reasons that our collective approval rating around here is below al Qaeda.

I am in favor of these ads.