Political Quotes

“let's concentrate on constituent interests, not special interests. As the great political reporter Theodore White wrote, ``the flood of money that gushes into politics today is a pollution of democracy.'' I haven't accepted PAC contributions since I first ran for the Michigan state senate in 1982. Although I knew I would always vote the way I felt was right regardless of who donated to my campaign, I also knew that it was equally important that my constituents had no doubts about how much PAC lobbyists might be influencing my decisions. I have reintroduced my bill from the 105th Congress, the PAC Limitation Act, which would do the following: Ban PACs from donating to individual Congressional campaigns. Require that Congressional candidates raise 50% or more of their contributions from individual donors who reside within their district. Limit how much and how often individuals can make soft money contributions to political party organizations. Require that TV, radio and cable stations report the placement of issue ads so that there will be full disclosure. Require labor organizations to obtain the written permission of members before using any dues or fees for political purposes. Special interests with their organized lobbying and their millions of dollars of PAC persusion money have gained undue influence in Congress. It is time to start dismantling that influence. This legislation moves the process ahead.”