“We have all seen how the influx of big money distorts our nation's agenda, undermines democratic values, and limits competition. At a time of unprecedented challenges to the nation’s future, we cannot afford to have our elected officials spending their time and energy raising money for reelection. The only way to break the connection between lobbyists and elected officials is by going to public funding of all Congressional and Senate campaigns.”
-Former Sen. Bill Bradley (D-N.J.)

“There's an overwhelming cynicism of the American people in their government, a feeling that the Congress has been corrupted by special interest money. As I look back on my twelve years in Congress, I hesitate to guess how many hours I spent raising money for reelection. The system we have today, where Members must raise thousands of dollars a day for reelection, is unacceptable and can’t be sustained.”
- Former Sen. Warren Rudman (R-N.H.)

“Fair Elections combines what works in our current system – citizen small donations – with matching public funds to ensure an open, competitive debate. And it rejects what doesn’t work: big money from lobbyists and special interest groups trying to curry favor with Congress. The 2008 election showed that citizens want to take part in politics by volunteering and making small donations. Let’s make sure their voices aren’t drowned out by big money.”
- Former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-Neb.)

“The current big money system is bad for taxpayers and bad for the economy. The amount of wasteful spending we have seen through earmarks and pork barrel spending in recent years is unacceptable. At $1-$2 billion a year, the price of Fair Elections pales in comparison to the tens of billions in taxpayer money going to benefit big contributors.”
- Former Sen. Al Simpson R-Wyo.)

“It’s now time for bold action to fix what is wrong, and the bill to fix it is the Fair Elections Now Act. Under the Fair Elections Now Act, exceptional candidates who want to serve the public and can demonstrate public support through contributions from small donors, but who have average financial means, will be able to run competitive races for federal office. Candidates and elected officials alike could spend more time hearing from voters rather than seeking the support of wealthy donors.”
- Anna Burger, Secretary-Treasurer, SEIU

“This legislation, which is strongly supported by the NAACP, will go a long way in restoring the confidence of the American people in their elected representatives as well as the election process overall.”
- Hillary Shelton, Washington, DC Bureau Director, NAACP

“We applaud Senators Durbin and Specter for their leadership in presenting the Fair Elections Now Act. We know from experience that raising money in small donations means more people get involved in the political process. And that’s a good thing for our country.”
- Noah T. Winer, Election Integrity Director, MoveOn.org Political Action

“We applaud Senators Durbin and Specter for their leadership on this important issue. … This proposal benefits the environment by reducing the undue influence of Big Oil and other major polluters in the legislative process.”
- Gene Karpinski, President, League of Conservation Voters

“The Fair Elections Now Act opens the electoral process to Latino, African American and Asian American candidates. For too long, candidates and elected officials have been forced to chase campaign contributions, leaving them less time to listen to our communities and their constituents. This bill brings the people closer to their elected leaders.”
- John Trasviña, President and General Counsel,
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Defense Fund (MALDEF)

“All Americans want a government that is responsive to our daily lives, but the drive for campaign cash impairs our elected officials’ ability to hear and respond to all constituents. The ever-increasing amount of money needed to run for office consumes legislators’ time – which could be better spent working to ensure liberty and justice for all – and contributes to the upside-down priorities that allow millionaire donors to claim more congressional attention than middle-class Americans.”
- Jeff Blum, Executive Director, USAction

“The Sierra Club has consistently supported reform of the campaign finance system in order to reduce the influence of polluting corporations on elected officials. Americans understand the connection between clean air, clean water and clean elections, and they don't want to see environmental safeguards sold to the highest bidder. The Sierra Club supports the Fair Elections Now Act to help make candidates more accountable to the public, instead of to special interests.”
- Carl Pope, Executive Director, Sierra Club

“The Fair Elections Now Act, as we see it, will allow everyday citizens to engage in the democratic process in a meaningful and significant manner – proving them a ‘stakeholder’ seat at the decision making table.”
- Melanie Campbell, Executive Director and CEO,
National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

“The Fair Elections Now Act will help change the face of our democracy. It will empower people from all walks of life to be more active in the political process, just as it has in Arizona, Maine, and North Carolina. People will be able to run based on their experience and support from their community, and not their ability to raise tens of thousands of dollars.”
- Dolores Huerta, President, Dolores C. Huerta Foundation

“Congress should be more responsive to the kitchen table issues that Americans care about, but the need to raise large amounts of money from special interests diverts the attention of members of Congress. This bill would revamp the way Senate campaigns are paid for and would allow our elected officials to spend their time addressing America’s challenges and seizing new opportunities.”
- Campaign for America’s Future