Gubernatorial campaign websites: on Government Reform
Lupe Valdez:
Fight against discriminatory voter identification laws
To ensure, Texans have a say in how they are governed I will not only fight against discriminatory voter identification laws and unnecessarily burdensome registration processes, I will advocate to expand voting rights and push for
policies like automatic voter registration and encourage the federal government to update the Voting Rights Act. The goal should be to make it easier for more Texas citizens to get to the polls -- not harder.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
Molly Kelly:
Wants real campaign finance reform; no corporate donations
I'm proud to be the only candidate for governor who has refused to accept corporate contributions. In addition to getting dark money out of our politics, we must also modernize campaign finance laws to make them uniform for all candidates.
I will work to: Close the LLC loophole that allows the same person to give contributions through multiple entities; Clarify the law on funding limits; Bring greater transparency to campaign funding; and end partisan gerrymandering.
Source: 2018 New Hampshire Governor campaign website MollyKelly.com
Oct 9, 2018
Keith Stern:
Term limits will slow down path to lobbying
I fully support the concept of term limits. Our founding fathers fully intended the bodies of our constitutional republic be comprised of citizen legislators. There is no legitimate reason I can think of that this principle should not apply to the
individual States. I am willing to impose upon myself not to exceed 3 terms. I would work with the House and Senate to sign into law, legislation that would prohibit any individual from becoming a registered lobbyist within 3 years of their departure.
Source: 2018 VT Gubernatorial campaign website VermontGetsStern.org
Sep 18, 2018
Allan Fung:
Internal department to audit fraud, waste and corruption
Allan believes that our government should be held accountable for every taxpayer dollar spent. As Governor, Allan will work to eliminate fraud, waste and corruption by creating an Office of the
Inspector General which will be responsible for conducting investigations into agencies in the executive branch. This office will also provide recommendations, conduct policy analysis, and provide training to the agencies that need it.
Source: 2018 Rhode Island governor Campaign website AllanFung.com
Sep 1, 2018
Christine Hallquist:
Work with state & locals to fix campaign finance system
Address broken campaign finance system and work with existing state and local models to combat this issue.
Research and implement local publicly funded elections, rather than solely offering public financing in statewide elections.
Source: 2018 VT governor Campaign website ChristineForVermont.com
Sep 1, 2018
Jeff Johnson:
Government needs to give the power back to the people
Our state desperately needs a fundamental change in the size, scope, and philosophy of government. This means taking power away from government and giving it back to the people. We must create a mindset in government that it is a
servant of the people, not the other way around. I will push for term limits, initiate a top-to-bottom audit of the programs Minnesota taxpayers fund and veto any omnibus bill that does not adhere to the single-subject rule.
Source: 2018 Minnesota JohnsonForGovernor.org campaign website
Sep 1, 2018
Jeff Johnson:
People make better decisions on spending than government
I believe that government can only exercise authority granted to it in the Constitution. I believe that people make better decisions about how to spend the money they earn than government. I support school choice and the empowerment
of parents to control the education of their children. I believe the right to keep and bear arms for personal protection is a fundamental individual right. I am pro-life. My Christian faith guides every decision I make.
Source: 2018 Minnesota JohnsonForGovernor.org campaign website
Sep 1, 2018
Bill Schuette:
Terminate government pensions for those caught embezzling
As Attorney General, Bill held government officials accountable with his Public Integrity Unit by bringing
350 charges against former government officials, including the termination of taxpayer-funded pensions for 13 ex-Detroit principals who embezzled millions from schoolchildren.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
Bill Schuette:
Wants tax returns released from all top elected officials
Bureaucrats and elected officials must work for taxpayers, not look out for themselves. Bill will bring the highest ethical standards to Lansing with his plan to require personal financial disclosure for elected officials, make our
legislature part-time, mandate that top officials release their tax returns, and expand freedom of information laws to include the Governor and Lieutenant Governor's offices.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
Laura Kelly:
Lobbyist reforms & increased legislative transparency
Kelly has fought to improve transparency and increase accountability throughout her time in the legislature. Kelly has stood up to the Brownback-Colyer Administration and demanded accountability. In a Kelly Administration, Cabinet members and staff
will be required to sign an ethical code of conduct that ensures the highest standards of integrity. She will also advocate for a series of lobbyist reforms, increase transparency of legislative proceedings and lower the cost to access open records.
Source: 2018 Gubernatorial campaign website LauraKellyForKansas.com
Aug 14, 2018
Lori Swanson:
Fight to make campaign financing fairer & all-inclusive
We should overturn Citizens United. Corporate spending on elections drowns out the voices of regular people. As AG, Lori filed briefs in opposition to the Citizens United decision in the U.S. Supreme Court, and she supports efforts to encourage
a fairer, more inclusive political process. She supports strengthening Minnesota campaign finance laws to require better transparency on election spending and supports efforts to encourage small donor participation in the election process.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website LoriSwanson.com
Jul 4, 2018
Drew Edmondson:
Advocate of open transparency; the public has right to know
We start by cracking down on those who broke it--the lobbying industry and corrupting political donations and establishing new transparency rules.
And I'll establish an Office of Open Government within the governor's office to facilitate the public's right to know. The Fallin administration's practice of stonewalling the public ends with me.
Source: 2018 gubernatorial campaign website DrewForOklahoma.com
Jun 23, 2018
Abdul El-Sayed:
Fundamental right to be heard at the ballot box
Voting is an essential component of our democracy, and yet many Michiganders lack access to this fundamental right because of voter ID laws and lack of access to polling places.
I want to make sure that all Michiganders have a chance for their voices to be heard at the ballot box. As governor, I will work to:-
Automatically register applicants with a Michigan ID to vote.
- Promote no-reason absentee voting and an expansion of early voting.
-
Designate voting day a state holiday so working people can get to the ballot box.
- Push to re-enfranchise those who are currently incarcerated.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website AbdulForMichigan.com
Mar 21, 2018
Andy McGuire:
Repeal the voter ID law; lengthen the absentee voting
This past legislative session, Republicans made it even more difficult for Iowa's elderly population to have a voice and create change. The legislature passed a strict Voter ID law that requires identification to vote.
The ACLU estimates that the new law could impact 11 percent of Iowa voters, 260,000 people. Iowa's elderly population are among the groups most affected by this unnecessary law.
For many senior citizens, their drivers' licenses have long expired, and many aren't physically able to obtain new identification.
We should be making it easier for seniors and everyone to vote. As governor, I will work to repeal the voter ID law and work to lengthen the absentee voting by mail window.
Source: 2018 Iowa Governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
Cary Kennedy:
Cap election spending; eliminate corporate PAC contributions
An obscene amount of money gets spent on our elections these days, and people are tired of it. Let's agree to scale back campaign spending in the Democratic primary. I am asking all Democratic candidates to pledge to cap primary election spending at
$3 million--plenty of funding to get our names on the ballot and effectively communicate with primary voters. This is far more than any Democratic gubernatorial candidate has spent before in the primary, so this should not be a hardship for any of us.
Corporations have too much influence in our politics today. I propose we all pledge to not take--and if necessary, return any--corporate PAC contributions, or donations from corporate lobbyists, to eliminate this influence in our campaigns and in our
state government. And for any of us who have already accepted corporate donations, we should agree to return those contributions. When corporations lobby at the capitol it's because they have a profit motive.
Source: 2018 Governor campaign website CaryKennedyForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
David Garcia:
Right to vote--and to have your vote counted--is sacred
Democracy means every Arizonan having a voice, and being heard when the most important decisions facing out state are made. Voting is the foundation of our democracy. The right to vote--and to have your vote counted--is sacred.In 2016, we saw long
lines that made national headlines, our voter database targeted by foreign actors, and consistent miscommunication or outright incorrect information sent to voters.
Voter registration systems in Arizona are outdated and error-prone, blocking thousands
of eligible Arizonans from casting a ballot. Too many Arizonans attempt to vote but find themselves left off the rolls, deleted or purged. Automatic Voter Registration will modernize our voter registration system, bringing us into the 21st Century and
ensuring that all eligible Arizonans can cast their vote. In particular, automatic voter registration would save taxpayer money, increase electoral accuracy & voter participation while making sure our elections are safer and more secure against attacks.
Source: 2018 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website dg4az.com
Mar 21, 2018
Tommy Ahlquist:
Term limits & campaign disclosure for statewide officials
Responsive, citizen-based leadership is critical to a strong Idaho. When professional politicians spend too much time in office, they lose touch with the realities of what Idaho families and businesses face, and as a result, put the needs of the special
interests in front of the needs of the taxpayer. Limiting executive statewide elected officials to 8 years (two 4-year terms) will help ensure that Idaho has the future we all deserve.Idaho is one of only 2 states that has no disclosure requirements
for elected officials. This reform would require elected officials to disclose their sources of personal income. This is the most basic transparency measure that helps avoid conflicts of interest among elected officials. This reform would require
elected officials in Idaho to disclose the employer and job title for themselves and their spouse, any source of income of more than $5,000. Disclosing this information will fill a gaping hole that has persisted in Idaho's ethics laws for far too long.
Source: 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial campaign website TommyForIdaho.com
Mar 21, 2018
Andrew White:
Fight to end the non-competitive gerrymandering system
Our political parties gerrymander voting districts so well that 95% of congressional races have no competition. 95 percent! Everyone knows competition, in anything, improves results. But today, the most competitive economy in the world
elects its leaders in the least competitive way. This is why our system is broken. It explains how a fringe segment of one party can control our entire state government.This is where "Bathroom bills" come from. Legislators can't give us fair districts.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website AndrewWhite.com
Feb 22, 2018
Jay Gonzalez:
Strong campaign finance policies ensure democracy's promise
Let's aim high on campaign finance reform. "We the people" is a cornerstone of our American political identity. America is its people. But we know that our democracy is not self-fulfilling. It takes us, all of us, to breathe life into it and protect it.
We cannot take it for granted.Our collective well-being depends on a strong, healthy and responsive democratic government. We need to aim high to ensure that our elections and government are open and responsive to all of us.
We need to make it easier for regular people to impact elections and policy, and to participate equally in the political process, regardless of their income and resources.
We need strong campaign finance policies to ensure that our democracy
fulfills its promise to each and every one of us, to the people. Unfortunately, the current system for funding elections falls far short of the ideal, both nationally and right here in Massachusetts.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign website jay4ma.com
Dec 12, 2017
George Brauchler:
A record of official transparency
- Created unprecedented and unmatched accessibility to the public and media on issues of accountability, including budget, open records and civil asset forfeitures.
-
Made all office expenditures and budget requests available to the public online, as well as all monies spent of the Aurora Theater Shooting case and expenditures of money from forfeited assets.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website george2018.com
Jul 12, 2017
Jared Fisher:
Governor must lead with accountability & transparency
I chose to run for office of Governor because this state has great people and great places and I want your voice to be heard. I have been preparing for this office for 25 years. Uniquely different than the other 5 executive state positions,
governor is a leadership role. It requires more than just abilities, but responsibilities. I believe in strength through not only diversity, but accountability and transparency, both personally and socially, and especially from within the government.
Source: 2018 Nevada Governor campaign website FisherForNevada.com
Jul 12, 2017
Cary Kennedy:
Transparency in public finance: publish online
Cary opened the books of government in Colorado and in Denver by publishing the state's and the city's expenditures online with searchable databases,
publishing the first-ever taxpayer accountability report for the State and the city and creating the first-ever online receipt for taxpayers.
Source: 2018 CO governor campaign website CaryKennedyForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2017
Setti Warren:
Public records laws for open and transparent governing
As Mayor of Newton, Setti Warren governed in an open and transparent way because people deserve to know what their government is doing in their name.
Massachusetts lags the nation in government transparency, but nowhere is sunshine needed more than the annual state budget making process.
Setti Warren believes that a budget is not only a statement of values, but that the process of writing this values statement requires public input.
That's why he will make public records laws apply to the governor's office and has endorsed the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's recommendations to make our budget process more transparent.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
Ed Perlmutter:
Citizens United is worst decision in recent history
Ever since the Citizens United decision, which Ed believes is the worst decision in recent history, campaigns and elections have been overrun by corporate interests. It is time we clean up the system.
Ed supports a Constitutional Amendment empowering the Congress to regulate and set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections.
Ed has also supported recent efforts to increase transparency by asking regulatory agencies to require the true sponsor of political advertisements
be disclosed as well as public companies report their political activities to shareholders.
Source: 2018 CO gubernatorial campaign website perlmutter.house.gov
May 2, 2017
Steve Marchand:
Stop discouraging voter turnout
After watching Chris Sununu prioritize right-wing positions on privatizing public education, weakening unions, discouraging voter turnout, failing to lead on LGBTQ equality, and pushing tax cuts for a small number
of large companies at the expense of everybody else, it's more clear to me than ever that New Hampshire deserves a Governor who can make New Hampshire the best state in America to start a family and start a business.
Source: 2018 N.H. gubernatorial campaign website SteveMarchand.com
May 2, 2017
Tina Liebling:
Require disclosure of state legislature perks
We must promote high ethical standards and transparency for all who have the honor to serve the public.Our laws permit public officials to take trips--junkets--that are paid for by foundations or other organizations (but not by lobbyists). These
organizations include ALEC, an organization of large corporations that writes corporate-friendly legislation for legislators (almost always Republicans) to introduce in their states. My amendment to require disclosure of these trips by members of the
Minnesota House was voted down by Republicans.
Not all sponsored trips are bad, but the recipient should be required to disclose these perks to the public. We must make sure that the wealthy and well connected play by the same rules as everyone else.
Public money should be invested only where the public--not billionaire owners or another special interest group--will reap the benefits commensurate with the investment. This is why I voted "no" on the Vikings and Twins stadium deals.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
Brian Kemp:
Protect our elections from fraud with Voter ID
Protecting our elections from fraud and criminal activity is a top priority for Secretary Kemp. He is a strong and vocal advocate for Voter ID laws requiring voters to show some form of identification to vote. When the Obama Justice Department and
liberals in Washington tried to undermine Kemp's common sense election protection measures like the verification of citizenship of new registered voters, he sued them in federal court and won.Secretary Kemp also implemented his Stop Voter Fraud
website and Voter Fraud Hotline allowing citizens to report questionable election activities online or by phone. Additionally, Kemp's Investigations Division increased its partnerships with state and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute
voter fraud.
Under Secretary Kemp's leadership, Georgia's elections are secure, accessible and fair. Kemp continues his efforts every day to stop voter fraud and make it as easy as possible for all citizens to participate in the democratic process.
Source: 2018 Georgia Governor campaign website KempMeansBusiness.com
Mar 15, 2017
Scott Wagner:
Legislatures should discuss more instead of pay raises
High salaries, lavish pensions, automatic pay raises and excessive per diems are just a few examples of why we have the most expensive legislature in the country.
In today's world of instant communication, if I am elected to serve in the State Senate, I want to assure you that I will be accessible to discuss issues. In addition, you will receive regular e-mail updates regarding issues and progress in Harrisburg.
Source: 2018 Gubernatorial campaign website ScottWagnerForSenate.com
Nov 1, 2014
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021
Beshear(D)
vs.