To: Jon Keller, WBZ/Boston Globe Debate Moderator
Jon Keller: Ask the Candidates about Citizens United during the First Senate Debate
Dear Mr. Keller,
In your role as moderator of the first U.S. Senate debate in Massachusetts, you have the opportunity to ask questions about the most pressing issues facing our country. We urge you to ask Gabriel Gomez and Rep. Ed Markey how they will confront the greatest threats to American self-government—money in politics and the granting of constitutional rights to corporations.
Over the years, the Supreme Court has paved the way for unlimited money to enter our electoral process. As a result, election spending in 2012 reached new heights—$7 billion! All of this money in elections unduly shapes the public dialogue, greatly influences who will run for and win elected office, and makes our elected representatives increasingly beholden to the biggest donors rather than to the voters.
To make matters worse, the Court has used the assertion that corporations have constitutional rights to strike down hundreds of local, state, and federal laws protecting our democracy, our health, and our safety. For example: The Court rejected state laws requiring the food industry to disclose all of the ingredients in our foods and prevented our communities from banning cigarette advertising near schools.
Only an amendment to the U.S. Constitution can undo these threats to self-government and ensure that government works for everybody—not just corporations and wealthy interests. It is imperative that the position of our U.S. Senate candidates on this issue is clear to the voters. Government of the people, by the people, and for the people depends on it.
We urge you to ask the U.S. Senate candidates if they support a constitutional amendment to address out-of-control spending in elections and corporate constitutional rights.
In your role as moderator of the first U.S. Senate debate in Massachusetts, you have the opportunity to ask questions about the most pressing issues facing our country. We urge you to ask Gabriel Gomez and Rep. Ed Markey how they will confront the greatest threats to American self-government—money in politics and the granting of constitutional rights to corporations.
Over the years, the Supreme Court has paved the way for unlimited money to enter our electoral process. As a result, election spending in 2012 reached new heights—$7 billion! All of this money in elections unduly shapes the public dialogue, greatly influences who will run for and win elected office, and makes our elected representatives increasingly beholden to the biggest donors rather than to the voters.
To make matters worse, the Court has used the assertion that corporations have constitutional rights to strike down hundreds of local, state, and federal laws protecting our democracy, our health, and our safety. For example: The Court rejected state laws requiring the food industry to disclose all of the ingredients in our foods and prevented our communities from banning cigarette advertising near schools.
Only an amendment to the U.S. Constitution can undo these threats to self-government and ensure that government works for everybody—not just corporations and wealthy interests. It is imperative that the position of our U.S. Senate candidates on this issue is clear to the voters. Government of the people, by the people, and for the people depends on it.
We urge you to ask the U.S. Senate candidates if they support a constitutional amendment to address out-of-control spending in elections and corporate constitutional rights.
Why is this important?
Government by the people is increasingly under attack by big money in politics and corporate constitutional rights, and only an amendment to the U.S. Constitution can fix the problem.
One avenue for passing a constitutional amendment requires a two thirds majority vote by the U.S. Senate. It is imperative that the position of our U.S. Senate candidates on this issue is clear to the voters. Government of the people, by the people, and for the people depends on it.
Please join us in asking debate moderator Jon Keller to solicit the candidates stance on this important issue at the WBZ/Boston Globe debate on Wednesday June 5 from 7 to 8 p.m.
One avenue for passing a constitutional amendment requires a two thirds majority vote by the U.S. Senate. It is imperative that the position of our U.S. Senate candidates on this issue is clear to the voters. Government of the people, by the people, and for the people depends on it.
Please join us in asking debate moderator Jon Keller to solicit the candidates stance on this important issue at the WBZ/Boston Globe debate on Wednesday June 5 from 7 to 8 p.m.