Its not too late
There is a solution, elect an independent congress, get the money out of politics. Please read my ideas for a solution.
The Problem
Our representatives represent their donors, not their constituents. If you are not clear what that means for your particular representative check out opensecrets.org
https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/jimmy-panetta/summary?cid=N00038601
Do your interests align with your representatives donors' interests?
This is the basic problem but its also just the tip of the iceberg.
The Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC opened the door for unlimited money from virtually any source to influence and advertise for candidates without even being affiliated with those candidates. Unfortunately the court has become even more skeptical of the federal governments rights to regulate elections and campaign financing. It seems only a matter of time before the court awards the regulation of federal election directly to the state legislatures. This would mean overturning the Voting Rights Act of 1954, and disenfranchisement of many vulnerable communities.
The Solution
We need two constitutional amendments, # 28 and #29.
28. Political candidates for federal office shall not take donations from individuals, committees, or groups of any kind. Candidates can not use their own private funds for campaigning in any form. Candidates will receive funding directly from the United States Treasury, and funds will be held in an account managed by the Treasury. A petition of nomination signed by registered voters within a candidates constituency will determine eligibility for funds. The petition must be signed by at least 1% of the winning total for the office in the last election. Campaign funds may not be used for personal expenses of the candidate of any kind, under penalty of disqualification, fines and imprisonment. No state or local jurisdiction may deny the right to run for office or vote of any citizen for any reason.
29. Removes the power of the Pardon from Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.
The Plan
This will not be easy. The Constitution requires a two thirds share of both houses of Congress to propose amendments to then be ratified by the state legislatures.
If you, the people of the 19th district of California, honor me with the responsibility of representing you in 2027 and 2028 I will seek out and support additional independent candidates for congress who will support these amendments.
If the margins in the house of representatives remain as tight as they have been in the recent past it is entirely plausible that an independent member will command outsized power to determine the direction of critical legislation and even leadership within the house. If we can get more members of congress elected on this platform, a handful of independent congressmen could be a truly substantial force. In that case I will use my role to bring additional funding to support our schools from the Headstarts to the Universities, to protect our beautiful natural environment, and to ease the burden of poverty affecting many in our community.
A good outcome for our district will demonstrate to others across the country that independent representation brings more back to them than congressmen who owe loyalty to one party or the other.
To be clear: I do not believe that party line supporters on either side of the aisle will support these amendments, they are not going to give up their billionaire donors with out a fight.
