Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman. After $5.3 billion was spent in the 2008 Federal elections, I never heard anyone utter a word that said the problem we face today in Washington is that we need more private money in politics. Never has anyone said to me, I wish the super-rich had more influence over our government and elected officials, especially in campaigns for President and Congress. I never received a letter from a constituent that expressed a desire to get further away from one person-one vote and move closer to one corporation-one vote. What I have heard from my constituents is a deafening demand to get money out of politics. This bill takes us in the opposite direction. We should be chasing the moneychangers out of the people's temple, not turning our government into an auction house. This legislation is upside down. Private financing of elections corrodes our democracy. Private contributions of Federal elections must end. Private financing equals government in the private interest. Public financing--the hope of government in the public interest. We need to restore our democracy and end private contributions. We shouldn't have any contributions from special interests. We need government of the people, by the people, and for the people returned to this government.”