Robin Carnahan: “Today marks the final stage for congressional action on campaign finance reform legislation. That we have reached this…”

“Today marks the final stage for congressional action on campaign finance reform legislation. That we have reached this point is a testament to the leadership of my colleagues, John McCain and Russ Feingold. I thank them for their dedication. The American people are grateful to them for helping to restore our democracy. Our Founding Fathers gave us a tremendous gift: the experiment in self-government, an experiment that embodies faith in mankind, a revolutionary idea of governance. To those who say Americans have deviated from this course, to those who say Americans have become apathetic or disinterested, I say Americans cherish their democracy as never before. Dating back to the birth of our Nation, numerous observers have visited America's shores to witness firsthand the wonders of this Government. In 'Democracy in America,' Alexis de Tocqueville commented on the trust vested by the American people in their elected officials. He said: The electors see their representatives not only as a legislator for the state, but also as the natural protector of local interests in the legislature; indeed, they almost seem to think that he has a power of attorney to represent each constituent. Certainly, De Tocqueville identified a sacred trust--a trust still held and cherished by the American people. We, as elected officials, must not jeopardize that trust. Voters understand the danger of money in politics.”