Political Quotes

“our effort to mandate full disclosure from clandestine political organizations began with a bipartisan appeal. Unfortunately, it has gone largely unanswered. Unlike the Senate, where an idea that began here in the House, was approved last week as the McCain-Feingold-Lieberman amendment, the House Republican leadership has steadfastly opposed reform. Finally, last week, they promised a vote on this vital reform issue during this month. This morning we have a way to assure that promise is fulfilled through the signing of this discharge petition. I call on my colleagues, both Democratic and Republican, to join with us on the petition to guarantee that we get at least a little campaign finance reform in time for this year's election. The developments since last week have not been all that promising. One Republican says their bill may exempt this year's election. Another says that Tom DeLay, who has been so involved in promoting these organizations is a principal advisor in drafting the reforms. Let us clean up this mess now. It can be done. It must be done. We can yet achieve a bipartisan victory on campaign finance reform, just as the Senate has done, by signing this discharge petition and having a full debate concerning reform this very month.”