Survey of 2014 Senate campaign websites: on Government Reform

Milton Wolf: My donors are individuals; my opponent's are mostly DC PACs

• Pat Roberts has raised over $715k, nearly 60% of his funds raised this election cycle, from Political Action Committees.
• Pat Roberts has raised over $435k from the Washington DC metro area alone.

Since announcing his campaign for U.S. Senate, Dr. Milton Wolf has raised well over $250,000 from over 2,700 individual donors. Dr. Wolf has received contributions from individuals all across Kansas and from all 50 states. Conservatives are eager for new leadership in the U.S. Senate.

Nathan LaFrance: Term limits will accomplish with CFR attempts to do

1. Term limits will serve as a way to achieve some of what was sought through campaign finance reform, since federal politicians will only have one or two re-election campaigns during their time in office. It is the constant fund-raising for re-elections that have caused the massive corruption we see today in Washington.
2. Term limits will ensure that those chosen to represent us in Washington are in touch with the American people and the issues we face every day. It is ridiculous that career politicians in Washington can be in office for 30, 40, 50+ years; how can they effectively represent the People when they live their entire lives in the Washington "bubble"?
3. Term limits will help to limit the cronyism / favoritism / power struggles we constantly see playing out in Capitol Hill.

Allen Weh: Political spending is free speech: don't limit it

Dark money came about as a result of two incumbent senators trying to protect incumbents. The "Incumbent Protection Act," otherwise known as the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, restricted the ability of outside challengers and groups to raise money. As a result of its passage, an increased number of 527s, named for their IRS designation, began to spend money on political speech.

Now there's another effort by another incumbent Senator, Tom Udall. This time it goes so far as to amend the Constitution. The founding fathers did not limit the First Amendment by outlining specific types of speech. Most importantly, its purpose was to protect political speech. It is the height of arrogance for someone to think he has the right to change a founding principle of the freest country in the history of the world.

Heather Johnson: Term limits for Congress, local officials, and judges

• I advocate term limits on Congress and limitations and elections for local, state, and federal judges including the Supreme Court.
• I advocate transparency and regular independent audits of government practices as well as the Federal Reserve, answerable to the people, by the people, and for the people of these United States.
• I advocate the acknowledgement that juries do not have to uphold legislation in situations where they feel there just reason to ignore the law.

Sam Rankin: Special interests support the status quo; Americans don't

Currently 42% of Americans identify themselves as Independents and it shows there is a major out-migration from the major political parties. Voters want another choice other than choosing between two candidates who are both controlled by special interests, corporations, or wealthy individual donors. It's time for Independents to work together.

Sam Rankin: Eliminate earmarks; 3-year federal pay freeze

Cut Deficit Spending
• Reduce Congressional/White House budgets 15%
• Congressional pay freeze for 3 years.
• Federal workers/civilian defense workers pay freeze 3 years.
• Sell excess federal property. (Income and reduced maintenance costs.)
• Eliminate ALL earmarks.

Michelle Nunn: Amendment to overturn the Citizens United decision

1. Lifetime Ban On Members of Congress Becoming Lobbyists: I pledge to never become a lobbyist whether or not my proposal becomes law.
2. No Budget, No Pay: If Congress can't do its job and pass a budget, it shouldn't get paid. And neither should the President.
3. Get A Price Tag For Every Bill: Congress shouldn't introduce bills without knowing how much they'll cost taxpayers.
4. End Secret, Unlimited Special Interest Spending In Elections: I would support an amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision that allows a few special interest billionaires to secretly spend millions to sway an election.
5. Pledge To Meet With Every Senator In First Year and Bring Legislators Together: In the Senate, I will work to bring both sides together by meeting one-on-one with every Senator. Source: 2014 Georgia Senate campaign website, MichelleNunn.com Jul 2, 2014

   Terry Adams: Corporation aren't people and money isn't speech

   We simply must get big money out of politics. Not long ago it seemed possible that we would have real campaign reform. Then in 2010, the Supreme Court of the United States made a decision in a case known as Citizens United. In that case, the Supreme Court decided that, for the purposes of campaigns and elections, corporation are people and money is speech.

   I beg to differ. The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America is for "We the People" not "We the Corporations." Allowing corporations to spend as much money as they want to influence elections flies in the face of everything thing our democracy stands for, a government of the people, for the people, and by the people.

   That is why I vehemently support a constitutional amendment stating unequivocally that corporations are not people and money is not "speech." It is time we give our democracy back to the people of Tennessee and the citizens of this country.

   Source: 2014 TN Senate campaign website, AdamsForTN.com Jun 25, 2014

   Dave Domina: United, we can get rid of bad laws & corporations

   My life is an open book of service publicly performed, though I have never held elective office. Over 250 appearances in appellate courts--May I share something we have learned: With a united approach and a fearless, strong voice to make our case, we can get things done. We can take down the biggest corporation. We know. With help from many of you, I got it done.

   We can get rid of bad laws. Remember our old property tax? The one the Supreme Court threw out. With help from some of you, I got it done. It's time for that again.

   We can take out dirty politicians. We know. With help from you and the confidence of the Nebraska Legislature, we got it done.

   We need our State's strongest, clearest, and most tested voice. And we need it now. The United States cannot be the most prestigious country in the world if we cannot keep our government open for business , adopt and live within a budget, pay our bills, and take care of our people.

   Source: 2014 Neb. Senate campaign website, DaveDomina.com May 15, 2014

   Monica Wehby: Founders never imagined a permanent political class

   The problem with career politicians is that they become so out of touch that they lose the ability to relate to every day Americans. It's time for a return to a problem solvers approach, an approach our nation was founded upon. Five physicians signed the Declaration of Independence. Josiah Bartlett was a renowned innovator in the field of medicine and is also considered one of the chief architects of the US Constitution. Our founding fathers intended that we elect people to office who have excelled in non-political fields and who can bring their experience, knowledge and talents to a deliberative body for the betterment of every day Americans.

   The founders didn't add term limits to the constitution because they never imagined that we would create a permanent political class. Serving in office was considered a sacrifice. When you got the job done you returned to your family. That's why Dr. Wehby supports a two-term limit for US Senators. Twelve years is enough time to get the job done.

   Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, MonicaForOregon.com, "Issues" Mar 18, 2014

   David Clements: Bureaucratic intervention distorts economy

   As a former business attorney, I have extensively researched the effects of monetary policy on the economy. When bureaucrats promote certain activities and sectors of the economy through the Federal Reserve, subsidies, and bailouts, price signals are destroyed and market behavior is distorted. This creates a negative environment for people to engage in commerce, seek gainful employment and provide for themselves and loved ones.

   The fundamental purpose of government is to protect each individual's inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If society is to be free, then government must not dictate how individuals spend the fruits of their time and labor. Our representatives should protect our right to pursue the American Dream.

   Source: 2014 N.M. Senate campaign website, ClementsForNM.com Feb 18, 2014

   Brian Herr: Reduce non-military federal workforce by 15% via attrition

   We need leaders who will make tough decisions and do what is right for our country. Some of the things I would do:
6. Reduce the federal workforce by 15% by instituting a hiring freeze of non-military personnel. This would not require layoffs--with natural attrition, the federal workforce would gradually decrease while still keeping the same level of service.
7. Eliminate duplicate and inefficient programs that produce waste, fraud, & abuse.
8. Pass a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. Our elected officials in Washington have clearly shown that they will not balance the budget on their own.
9. Impose Term Limits on Members of Congress. Without fundamental reform and new leadership, little will change across the political landscape of America.It's time for Congress to roll-up their sleeves and get to work. America will prosper again when we stop the reckless spending and balance the federal budget." Source: 2014 Massachusetts Senate campaign website, BrianHerr.com Feb 6, 2014

   Brian Herr: If we want new ideas, send new people, via term limits

   Brian Herr called on Congress to amend the Constitution and impose term limits on Members of Congress. "We have real problems that must be addressed," said Herr. "Unfortunately, the ideas coming from Washington--from both Democrats and Republicans--are the same tired policies that simply are not working. If we want new ideas in Washington, we must send new people."

   Herr continued: "The Founding Fathers envisioned individuals serving our country then returning to their everyday lives. This is a far cry from today's reality, in which many Members of Congress have spent decades in those chambers."

   Herr proposes to limit U.S. House Members to six two-year terms and U.S. Senate Members to two six-year terms. Recognizing the need for practical support from Incumbents, the change would not be applied retroactively to current Members of Congress but would begin upon their next election.

   Source: 2014 Massachusetts Senate campaign website, BrianHerr.com Feb 6, 2014

   Nels Mitchell: No junkets; no gridlock; promises one term only

   Noting that Risch has held public office for almost 40 years, Mitchell said the Founding Fathers never envisioned career politicians running Washington.

   "They conceived of a Senate in which citizen legislators would step forward to serve their country for a limited time before returning to their private lives." Mitchell said. "For that reason, I will run for one term and one term only."

   "I am not a politician. I have had a successful career, and it is now my turn to step up," Mitchell said. "Six years is a long time. During that time, I will work as hard as I possibly can to represent Idaho and its people. I will be beholden to nobody but the people of Idaho."

   Mitchell said the gridlock in Washington can be addressed. "I do not believe, as Sen. Risch does, that it's impossible to accomplish anything in the Senate," he said. "If that's the case, why do we pay him? I commit to you that I won't make excuses and I won't take junkets. No excuses, no junkets, period."

   Source: 2014 Idaho Senate campaign website, NelsMitchellForIdaho.com Jan 14, 2014

   Milton Wolf: Give voice to our Founding values in the halls of Congress

   Jim Ryun, Chairman of the Madison Project and former Kansas Congressman, said, "I wish I had served alongside more members with the moral clarity and intellectual honesty of Milton Wolf. He understands that 21st century conservatives need to give voice to our Founding values in the halls of Congress, and on Main Street. His principled voice on current issues pending before Congress has already empowered Kansans by forcing Senator Roberts to change his voting habits." Source: 2014 Senate campaign website: press release, "Madison Proj." Nov 12, 2013

   Doug Truax: Return to Confidence: stop expanding federal government

   My campaign slogan is Return to Confidence. We've got every reason to be confident: The world's lone superpower. Unbelievably vast natural resources. A system of moral capitalism operating within a constitutional republic that is the envy and goal of the world. 314 million Americans who either are successful, want to be successful, or can be successful.

   That's a lot to be confident about. However, during the last six years, we have been shoved from one manufactured crisis to the next that all have the same root cause: an overly intrusive, arrogant, forever expanding federal government.

   What our country desperately needs is to get back to limited government, get our financial house in order, get the government out of the private sector's way, and "We the People" will return America and then the world back to confidence. Those of us of voting age still remember what that looks like. It can be done...if we have the right people working for us in Washington.

   Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, DougTruax.com, press release Nov 8, 2013

   Nancy Mace: Term limits of 12 years for Senate; 6 years for House

   U.S. Senate candidate Nancy Mace signed a pledge in favor of term limits. The pledge states: "I, Nancy Mace, pledge that as a member of Congress I will cosponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits Amendment of three (3) House terms and two (2) Senate terms and no longer limit."

   "Term limits would not only cap the number of years a specific person would serve in Congress, it would limit the power of lobbyists, corporations, and other special interests that invest millions of dollars in the status quo," said Mace.

   Mace went on to say, "Today, countless Americans have lost faith in our government. Establishment politicians cannot be trusted. I believe we can fix the mess in Washington, but we need the right tools to make it happen. Term limits are a great place to start, but we also need bold leadership to make it happen."

   If elected, Mace plans to serve no more than two terms in the U.S. Senate.

   Source: 2014 South Carolina Senate campaign website, NancyMace.org Nov 5, 2013

   Shenna Bellows: Same-day voter registration for Maine & federally

   Bellows is urging passage of federal same day voter registration legislation. "Maine voters endorsed same day voter registration at the polls in 2011, and Congress should follow Maine's lead," said Bellows. "The attack on voting rights nationwide threatens our democracy, and it's time that good people from all parties take a stand to protect our voting rights. I pledge to work with Republicans and Democrats alike to modernize our voter registration systems, just like I did on the 2011 Protect Maine Votes campaign."

   Bellows co-chaired the 2011 Protect Maine Votes referendum campaign to restore same day voter registration when Republicans in the legislature struck it down in 2011. Maine has enjoyed same day voter registration since 1973, and it consistently enjoys one of the highest voter participation rates in the country. Voter participation for the 10 states with same day voter registration is higher than states without same day voter registration.

   Source: 2014 Senate campaign website press release, "Same Day" Nov 5, 2013

   Cory Booker: Founding principle: make laws open to public debate

   I was deeply troubled by recent revelations of the scope of the National Security Agency's domestic data collection. We failed as a nation to thoroughly debate and create public oversight before this highly questionable data collection began. It is time to bring this program to light and fix that error.

   It is a basic principle of our founding that laws be open to public debate and inspection. We must update the rules that permitted this program to exist and ensure Congress, the courts, and the people have access and oversight. We need to vigorously guard our 4th Amendment privacy protections while still protecting Americans from terrorism. There are serious questions about whether this program successfully does that, and we cannot ask these questions after the fact again.

   Source: 2013-2014 New Jersey Senate campaign web CoryBooker.com Nov 3, 2013

   Cory Booker: Threat to voting rights in America remains very real

   As we've seen in the Texas redistricting plan that federal courts last year described as intentionally discriminatory, the threat to voting rights in America remains very real. The Voting Rights Act has been instrumental in the fight against violations of one of our most precious constitutional rights, and Congress must now act decisively in the wake of the Supreme Court's damaging decision and put in place updated, robust protections that once again give teeth to this vital law. Source: 2013-2014 New Jersey Senate campaign web CoryBooker.com Nov 3, 2013

   Matt Bevin: Permanent ban on earmarks, with no loopholes

   For years, Washington politicians used earmarks--wasteful spending projects slipped into massive spending bills--to reward their political friends. While Congress currently has a temporary ban on earmarks, that is not sufficient. Some congressional members have found loopholes in the ban, and many are counting the days until they can once again reward their friends with taxpayer dollars.

   We have to do more. Matt will actively fight for a permanent ban on earmarks.

   Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, MattBevin.com, "Issues" Oct 25, 2013

   Chris McDaniel: Defend the 10th Amendment and states' rights

   The Tenth Amendment and the concept of States' Rights has been tainted over the past several generations. Despite a federal government that attempts to control, the reality of what the US Constitution provides is that states have authority in a co-sovereign approach to government.

   Chris believes now is the time for states to reassert that power. There must be natural tension between the state and federal governments. That tension is a natural protective mechanism to be sure our individual rights are not eroded.

   It is time we reminded the President that he has limited authority under the Constitution, and we expect him to obey the Constitution. Chris is a firm believer in the original Constitution and the Tenth Amendment. He believes the government closest to the people is more responsive to the people. He has spoken out against overzealous federal mandates--a one-size-fits-all government approach--that hampers states abilities to best address the needs of their citizens.

   Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, chrismcdanielforsenate.com Oct 17, 2013

   Doug Truax: Without accountability & transparency, power corrupts

   Truth: With truth, we have a standard that corresponds to the correct reality of how the world works. Without truth, our leaders digress into a pattern of propaganda designed to control and manipulate our behavior.

   Transparency:With transparency, outcomes can be measured and evaluated for their effectiveness or lack thereof. Without transparency, those with the most money find ways to hide poor results so they can get more money from the system.

   Accountability: With accountability, we become confident in our processes and leaders because we know that results will be measured. Without accountability, power corrupts.

   Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, dougtruax.com, "Meet Doug" Oct 9, 2013

   Rick Weiland: We're hijacked by big money special interests

   Our country has been hijacked by big money special interests. Big corporations have embedded themselves into our government, wasting our tax dollars with bloated contracts and buying off the people who are supposed to be giving us a fair shake.

   I'm run

   Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, rickweiland.com, "Priorities" Oct 9, 2013

   Joni Ernst: Roll back burdensome regulations

   Priority One: Creating Jobs: Joni believes the free market is the greatest job creating machine ever built, but only when the government gets out of the way. She supports rolling back burdensome regulations that are crushing small business owners. Joni supports pro-growth tax and economic policies that will unleash the full potential of America's free market economy and create millions of new jobs. Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, JoniForIowa.com, "Issues" Sep 9, 2013

   Steve Stockman: Preventing voter ID law just aids voter fraud

   Congressman Steve Stockman responded to an attempt by the Obama Justice Department to invalidate voter ID laws in Texas: "This is a clear attempt by a lawless White House to aid and abet voter fraud. Whether it is blocking the prosecution of voter intimidation in Philadelphia, illegally running guns to Mexican drug lords or assisting voter fraud in Texas Barack Obama has decided the rule of law takes a back seat to `Rules for Radicals.'

   "A Marist poll conducted July 25 shows 83% of minority voters support voter ID laws. Obama's actions what you see in Venezuela, a president falsely claiming to on behalf of people in order to cover up an unpopular political play.

   "I encourage the federal courts to do their constitutional duty and thwart this latest attempt to abuse presidential power to pervert free and clean elections. The only people with an interest in preventing voter ID are people engaged in voter fraud."

   Source: 2014 Senate campaign website press release, "Voter Fraud" Aug 23, 2013

   David Perdue: Maximum three terms in the House, two terms in the Senate

   I have never run for public office before, which in my opinion is a good thing. Just look at the results we have gotten from career politicians. They have created a crisis in Washington. We can't expect them to fix it. That's why I support term limits: a maximum three terms in the House, two terms in the Senate. I'll stick to that commitment myself. Until we get term limits in place, we should enforce them at the ballot box by voting the career politicians out of office. Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, perduesenate.com, "Issues" Jul 25, 2013

   Jim Abeler: Unlock the stifling stranglehold the of federal government

   Minnesota needs a Senator from Minnesota who has invested his life in the fabric of the people who make our state great. That Senator must strongly protect our personal privacy and liberty, unlock the stifling stranglehold the federal government holds on Minnesota, and recapture the flexibility we need to run our own state. I know I can be that Senator.

   I am starting this run for U.S. Senate because I believe America is in trouble. The personal and religious freedoms that were intended for us by our Founding Fathers are being steadily eroded. Government spending is out of control and unsustainable. Massive debt to foreign countries threatens our sovereignty. Our children and grandchildren are born into a future as indentured debtors of our country's careless spending. When we are dependent on the government, we are absolutely not free.

   Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, jimabeler.com Jun 18, 2013

   Karen Handel: Defended and implemented photo ID for voting

   As Georgia's first elected Republican Secretary of State, Karen successfully defended and implemented photo ID for voting during the 2008 presidential election cycle, which saw record minority and overall voter participation. Source: 2014 Senate campaign website www.karenhandel.com, "About" Jun 6, 2013

   The above quotations are from Survey of 2014 Senate campaign websites. Click here for definitions & background information on Government Reform. Click here for other issues (main summary page). Click here for more quotes by Karen Handel on Government Reform. Click here for more quotes by Mead Treadwell on Government Reform.
   Candidates and political leaders on Government Reform:
   Retired Senate as of Jan. 2015: GA:Chambliss(R) IA:Harkin(D) MI:Levin(D) MT:Baucus(D) NE:Johanns(R) OK:Coburn(R) SD:Johnson(D) WV:Rockefeller(D) Resigned from 113th House: AL-1:Jo Bonner(R) FL-19:Trey Radel(R) LA-5:Rod Alexander(R) MA-5:Ed Markey(D) MO-9:Jo Ann Emerson(R) NC-12:Melvin Watt(D) SC-1:Tim Scott(R)	Retired House to run for Senate or Governor: AR-4:Tom Cotton(R) GA-1:Jack Kingston(R) GA-10:Paul Broun(R) GA-11:Phil Gingrey(R) HI-1:Colleen Hanabusa(D) IA-1:Bruce Braley(D) LA-6:Bill Cassidy(R) ME-2:Mike Michaud(D) MI-14:Gary Peters(D) MT-0:Steve Daines(R) OK-5:James Lankford(R) PA-13:Allyson Schwartz(D) TX-36:Steve Stockman(R) WV-2:Shelley Capito(R)	Retired House as of Jan. 2015: AL-6:Spencer Bachus(R) AR-2:Tim Griffin(R) CA-11:George Miller(D) CA-25:Howard McKeon(R) CA-33:Henry Waxman(D) CA-45:John Campbell(R) IA-3:Tom Latham(R) MN-6:Michele Bachmann(R) NC-6:Howard Coble(R) NC-7:Mike McIntyre(D) NJ-3:Jon Runyan(R) NY-4:Carolyn McCarthy(D) NY-21:Bill Owens(D) PA-6:Jim Gerlach(R) UT-4:Jim Matheson(D) VA-8:Jim Moran(D) VA-10:Frank Wolf(R)
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   Page last updated: Dec 07, 2018