Political Quotes

“the problem with the Thomas substitute is not its wording, it is its motivation. It is a cynical ploy to kill substantive campaign finance reform. We live in the greatest democracy in the history of western civilization, but it is not a true democracy as long as the wealthiest people and organizations in this country can have undue influence upon the elections and the votes of this body. We need substantive campaign finance reform, and we know it is what the people want. There is only one reason we do not do it, and it is the wrong reason. Since we began debating campaign finance reform years ago, millions of people, for example, have died as a result of tobacco smoking. We would not address the targeting of teenage smokers. Why? Not because many Members had tobacco growers in their district. That was not the reason. It is because we have tobacco money in our pockets. I could give any number of reasons, whether it be health care reform, insurance reform, tort reform, any number of issues. Do what the American people want. Restore a true democracy. Vote for Shays-Meehan and reject the Thomas substitute.”