Political Quotes

“Mr. President, Chairman Schumer started hearings this morning in the Rules Committee on the Supreme Court decision, Citizens United v. FEC. This Supreme Court decision completely changes the campaign finance landscape. Fifty years ago when my father Stewart Udall and my Uncle Mo were in office, money had minimal impact on the electoral and political system. It was about connecting with people and the marketplace of ideas. Right now it is just as much about the biggest checkbooks, if not more so, than it is about the best ideas. Unfortunately, we are about to see a lot more big checkbooks in the election process. Last month's Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC was a victory for the special interests at the expense of the average American. We have seen firsthand the impact special interests such as big oil and big banks and health insurance companies have had on the legislative process. Now, with this decision, already powerful corporations and labor unions will be able to further open their bank accounts, further drowning out the voices of everyday Americans in the political process. Members of both Chambers and the administration are working on legislation to address the Citizens United decision. I commend their efforts, but I believe a comprehensive overhaul of the campaign finance system is necessary in order to restore public faith in our elections.…”