State of New York Archives: on Government Reform

Wendy Long: Self-term limit to two terms; never lobby Congress

Why I'm Running
• Political correctness is killing us.
• Deficits are drowning the Republic.
• It's time to put America first.
• It's time to stop pitting Americans against each other.
• It's time to end the career of lifetime politician Chuck Schumer.
• We can end the reign of the ruling class.
• We can reclaim our right to life, liberty, security and prosperity.
• We can get our beloved country back.

Elise Stefanik: Regulation & government mandates stifles economic growth

She also understands how often times regulations and mandates from the federal government only stifle economic growth and job creation.

Now more than ever, Congress needs an Upstate voice that truly understands the unique needs of small businesses and will fight for Main Streets throughout the 21st Congressional District.

John Katko: Regulate campaign contributions from corporations and unions

A: Yes. But I support equitable, fair campaign finance reform that respects the underlying intent and protections created by our Founding Fathers.

Zephyr Teachout: Public financing for all statewide and legislative elections

Governor Cuomo has promised many times to enact public financing of elections. It is, sadly, the Governor's favorite promise to break.

Andrew Cuomo: Supports campaign finance reform as fair to all candidates

Joe DioGuardi: In Congress, served as president of Truth In Government

DIOGUARDI REFUTATION: Joe fought to cut spending and increase accountability in Congress as president of Truth In Government. During his time in Congress, Joe used his experience as a CPA to push for reforms to the government budgeting system to reduce spending, cut waste, and increase accountability. Joe recommended ending wasteful duplicative practices in the 200 government agencies by adopting uniform accounting systems. Joe also fought to change the government's current cash-basis (one-year) accounting system to an accrual system--which businesses are required to use. He sponsored legislation to create a chief financial officer within the Treasury to increase oversight of U.S. government spending. As President of Truth in Government, Joe has worked to strengthen our country's financial foundation by promoting accountability and transparency in Congressional spending and reporting.

Joe DioGuardi: 1987: Voted NO on Congress pay raise; donated his to charity

DIOGUARDI REFUTATION: The vote cited in Gillibrand's ad was an omnibus spending bill. During the floor debates, DioGuardi did vote for the elimination of the 3% pay increase for Congress, which passed. As a fiscal conservative, however, DioGuardi voted against the big-spending bill even though it would eliminate a 3% pay increase. When Congress did receive a pay raise, DioGuardi chose to donate his to charity.

[As reported in AP & UPI, 4/1/87]: "Here are 12 senators and 56 representatives who have refused to accept a $12,100 pay raise, according to consumer advocate Ralph Nader.. NY Reps. Joseph DioGuardi & George Wortley, Republicans.. Those donating their raises to charity, are: . Joseph DioGuardi, R-NY..."

In reality, it was Gillibrand who voted to raise congressional pay. Just last year, senator gillibrand voted to kill legislation to end automatic pay raises for members of congress. (S.Amdt. 621, 3/10/09)

David Paterson: Comprehensive ethics reform about what is legal and rampant

This commission will have the power to enforce campaign finance and end pay-to-play and bring jurisdiction and oversight to so-called good government groups, who hide their donors behind walls of sanctimony.

The Reform Albany agenda will significantly drive down campaign contributions; require openness of outside income; will strip public officials of their pensions who commit felonies; phase in gradually public campaign finance; and will impose term limits on State officeholders by constitutional amendment.

Hakeem Jeffries: Limit campaign spending and donations, but no term limits

A: No.

Q: Do you support limiting individual contributions to state legislative candidates?

A: Yes.

Q: Limiting PAC contributions?

A: Yes.

Q: Corporate?

A: Yes.

Q: Political Parties?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state-level political campaigns?

A: Yes.