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![](Going_Rogue.jpg) Going Rogue, by Sarah Palin
![](Gov_GA.jpg) Georgia candidates for Governor, past and present
![](Aggressive_Conservatism.jpg) Jeb Bush: Aggressive Conservatism in Florida, by Robert E. Crew
![](Time_Now.jpg) Our Time Is Now, by Stacey Abrams
![](Our_Revolution.jpg) Our Revolution, by Bernie Sanders
![](Outsider_House.jpg) Outsider in the House, by Senator Bernie Sanders (I, VT)
![](Do_The_Right_Thing.jpg) Do the Right Thing, by Mike Huckabee
![](100_Ideas.jpg) 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future, by Marco Rubio
![](Media_NY_WSJ.jpg) NY newspaper: Wall Street Journal
![](Leadership_Crisis.jpg) Leadership and Crisis, by Bobby Jindal
![](Fed_Up.jpg) Fed Up!, by Rick Perry (Nov. 15, 2010)
![](Time_for_Truth.jpg) A Time for Truth, by Ted Cruz (Jan. 2016)
![](The_Natural.jpg) The Natural, by Joe Klein
![](Media_Politico.jpg) Political coverage on Politico.com
![](Media_IA.jpg) IA newspaper: The Des Moines Register
![](Gov_AK.jpg) Alaska candidates for Governor, past and present
![](America_Beautiful.jpg) America the Beautiful, by Ben Carson
![](2020_CNN.jpg) CNN "State of the Union" interviews, throughout 2020
![](2019_Politico.jpg) Politico 2020Dems
![](2019_CPAC.jpg) Speeches at Conservative Political Action Conferences (2016-2019)
![](2018_CampusElect_Sen.jpg) CampusElect 2018 candidate summary - Senate
![](2011_Twitter.jpg) 2011 Republican primary debate on Twitter.com, July 21, 2011
![](2008_FactCheck.jpg) FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 primary debates
![](Where_We_Go.jpg) Where We Go From Here: Two Years in the Resistance
![](Voting_ACLU.jpg) American Civil Liberties Union congressional voting recommendations
![](Unintimidated_Walker.jpg) Unintimidated: A Governor's Story, by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker
![](Tea_Party_Goes.jpg) The Tea Party Goes to Washington, by Rand Paul (Feb. 22, 2011)
![](Stand_For_Something.jpg) Stand For Something, by John Kasich
![](Seven_Principles.jpg) Seven Principles of Good Government: Gary Johnson
![](Senate_TX.jpg) Texas Senate candidates, past and present
![](Rise_of_Rubio.jpg) The Rise of Marco Rubio, by Manuel Roig-Franzia
![](Next_Bush.jpg) Jeb: America's Next Bush, by S.V. Date
![](Media_Time.jpg) Time magazine
![](Media_Huffington_Post.jpg) Political coverage on The Huffington Post
![](Media_CA.jpg) CA newspaper: The Los Angeles Times
![](Media_AP_Senate.jpg) Political coverage by the Associated Press
![](Media_AP.jpg) Political coverage by the Associated Press
![](Living_History.jpg) Living History, by Hillary Rodham Clinton
![](Legis_WI.jpg) Wisconsin state legislative records
![](Legis_FL.jpg) Florida state legislative records
![](Lead_Outside.jpg) Lead from the Outside, by Stacey Abrams
![](FeelTheBern.jpg) FeelTheBern grassroots website
![](Contenders_2008.jpg) The Contenders, by Laura Flanders et al.
![](Beyond_Your_Lifetime.jpg) Living Beyond Your Lifetime: How to be Intentional about the Legacy You Leave, by Mike Huckabee
![](America_We_Deserve.gif) The America We Deserve, by Donald Trump
![](2020_Veepstakes.jpg) 2020 Vice Presidential prospects
![](2020_CPAC.jpg) Speeches at CPAC 2020s
![](2020_CNN_Town_Halls.jpg) 2019-2021 Town Halls on CNN
![](2016-AFA.jpg) AFA Action iVoterGuides
![](2015_Iowa.jpg) The 2015 Iowa Freedom Summit, Ag Summit, and other Iowa events
![](2008_GovWatch.jpg) Washington Post, "The Fact Checker"
![](Two_Paths.jpg) Two Paths: America Divided or United, by John Kasich
![](Trump_Research_Book.jpg) Trump Research Book
![](Trump_Administration.jpg) Trump campaign vs. Trump administration compared
![](Tough_Choices.jpg) Tough Choices, by CEO Carly Fiorina
![](Senate_NM.jpg) New Mexico Senate candidates, past and present
![](Promises_to_Keep.jpg) Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics, by Joe Biden
![](Promise_to_Power.jpg) Obama: From Promise to Power, by David Mendell
![](Promise_Me_Dad.jpg) Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose
![](Party_Over.jpg) The Party's Over, by former Florida Governor Charlie Crist
![](Obamanomics.jpg) Obamanomics, by John R. Talbott, published July 1, 2008
![](Now_Or_Never.jpg) Now Or Never, by Sen. Jim DeMint
![](Media_WorldNetDaily.jpg) WorldNetDaily.com
![](Media_Twitter.jpg) Twitter.com election tweets
![](Media_Truthout.jpg) Truthout.org political website
![](Media_NPC.jpg) The National Press Club
![](Media_NAN.jpg) National Action Network annual conference
![](Media_DC_Times.jpg) The Washington Times
![](Media_DC_2000.jpg) The Washington Post, 2000-2009
![](Media_CNBC.jpg) CNBC coverage of political news
![](Madame_Hillary.jpg) Madame Hillary, by R. Emmett Tyrell of The American Spectator
![](Life_Trial.jpg) A Life of Trial and Redemption, by Jules Witcover
![](Legis_OH.jpg) Ohio state legislative records
![](Legis_GA.jpg) Georgia state legislative records
![](Improbable_Quest.jpg) Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest, by John K. Wilson
![](Gov_WI.jpg) Wisconsin candidates for Governor, past and present
![](Gov_OH.jpg) Ohio candidates for Governor, past and present
![](Faith_Trump.jpg) The Faith of Donald J. Trump: A Spiritual Biography, by David Brody & Scott Lamb
![](Every_Other_Monday.jpg) Every Other Monday, by John Kasich
![](Cruzing_White_House.jpg) Cruzing Republicans to the White House, by Mario Broes & Daniel Gibson
![](Character_Makes_a_Difference.jpg) Character Makes a Difference, by Mike Huckabee
![](Character_IS_The_Issue.jpg) Character IS the Issue, by Mike Huckabee
![](Audacity_of_Hope.jpg) The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama
![](American_Dreams.jpg) American Dreams, by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
![](America_by_Heart.jpg) America by Heart, by Sarah Palin
![](2020_The_Hill.jpg) The Hill on 2020s campaigns
![](2020_CNN_Climate.JPG) CNN Climate Crisis Town Hall
![](2020_CBS.jpg) CBS "Face the Nation" interviews, thoughout 2020
![](2018_MTP.jpg) Meet the Press interviews, throughout 2018
![](2018_CNN.jpg) CNN "State of the Union" interviews, throughout 2018
![](2018_CBS.jpg) CBS "Face the Nation" interviews, thoughout 2018
![](2018_CampusElect_Gov.jpg) CampusElect 2018 candidate summary - Governors
![](2015_CBS_Dems.jpg) CBS 2015 Democratic primary debate
![](2011_Gov_Web.jpg) Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2010-2011
![](2010_Senate_Web.jpg) Survey of 2009 and 2010 Senate campaign websites
![](2010_Gov_Web.jpg) Survey of 2010 Governor`s campaign websites
![](2007_FactCheck.jpg) FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 primary debates
![](VRWC.jpg) Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy, by Amanda Carpenter
![](Unique_Voice.jpg) The Unique Voice of Hillary Clinton
![](Trump_Revealed.jpg) Trump Revealed, by Kranish and Fisher
![](Trump_101.jpg) Trump 101 by Donald Trump
![](To_Save_America.jpg) To Save America: Stopping Obama's Secular-Socialist Machine, by Newt Gingrich
![](Third_World_America.jpg) Third World America, by Arianna Huffington
![](The_Speech.jpg) The Speech, by Bernie Sanders
![](The_Promise.jpg) The Promise: President Obama, Year One, by Jonathan Alter
![](TBA-Morris.jpg) 2010: Take Back America, by Dick Morris & Eileen McGann
![](Superpower_Suicide.jpg) Suicide of a Superpower, by Pat Buchanan
![](Stable_Genius.jpg) A Very Stable Genius, by Rucker & Leonnig
![](Speaking_Myself.jpg) Speaking for Myself, by Sarah Huckabee Sanders
![](Should_Barack.jpg) Should Barack Obama Be President? by Fred Zimmerman, published Oct. 2006
![](Senate_VT.jpg) Vermont Senate candidates, past and present
![](Senate_IL.jpg) Illinois Senate candidates, past and present
![](Senate_AK.jpg) Alaska Senate candidates, past and present
![](Santorum_Speaks.jpg) A Senator Speaks Out, by Rick Santorum (June 8, 2005)
![](Profiles_In_Character.jpg) Profiles in Character, by Jeb Bush & B.Yablonski, published January 1996
![](Playing_Bigger.jpg) Intro to Playing Bigger, by Sen. Bernie Sanders
![](Piety_Power.jpg) Piety & Power, by Tom LoBianco
![](Own_Words.jpg) Barack Obama in His Own Words, by Barack Obama, edited by Lisa Rogak
![](One_Vote_Away.jpg) One Vote Away, by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)
![](One_Vote.jpg) One Vote, by Ben Carson and Candy Carson
![](On_My_Honor.jpg) On My Honor, by Rick Perry
![](Myth_of_Maverick.jpg) The Myth of a Maverick, by Matt Welch
![](Money_Power_Politics.jpg) Mike Bloomberg: Money, Power, Politics, by Joyce Purnick
![](Minority_Leader.jpg) Minority Leader, by Stacey Abrams
![](Milk_Money.jpg) Intro to Milk Money, by Sen. Bernie Sanders
![](Media_Wikipedia.jpg) Wikipedia.org political website
![](Media_USNWR.jpg) Political coverage in U.S. News and World Report
![](Media_USA_Today.jpg) USA Today magazine
![](Media_TX_Houston.jpg) Texas newspaper: The Houston Chronicle
![](Media_TNR.jpg) The New Republic magazine
![](Media_Rollcall.jpg) RollCall.com
![](Media_PoliticalWire.jpg) PoliticalWire.com political news briefs
![](Media_NY_Post.jpg) New York newspaper: The New York Post
![](Media_NPR.jpg) National Public Radio political news
![](Media_Newsmax.jpg) Newsmax magazine
![](Media_New_Republic.jpg) New Republic magazine
![](Media_National_Review.jpg) Political coverage in National Review
![](Media_MI.jpg) MI newspaper: The Detroit Free Press
![](Media_Metro.jpg) The Metro
![](Media_MA_2000.jpg) MA newspaper: The Boston Globe, 2000s
![](Media_MA.jpg) MA newspaper: The Boston Globe
![](Media_IL.jpg) IL newspaper: The Chicago Tribune
![](Media_Human_Events.jpg) Human Events magazine
![](Media_GA.jpg) GA newspaper: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
![](Media_Democracy_Now.jpg) Democracy Now! website
![](Media_DC_2020.jpg) The Washington Post, 2019-2022
![](Media_DC_2010.jpg) The Washington Post, 2010-2019
![](Media_DailyBeast.jpg) Political coverage on TheDailyBeast.com
![](Media_CNN.jpg) CNN political race coverage
![](Media_CFR.jpg) Council on Foreign Relations (think tank)
![](Media_AK_ADN.jpg) AK newspaper: Anchorage Daily News
![](Making_Trump.jpg) The Making of Donald Trump, by D.C.Johnston
![](Long_Game.jpg) The Long Game, by Senator Mitch McConnell
![](Legis_TX.jpg) Texas state legislative records
![](Legis_CA.jpg) California state legislative records
![](Kamala_Way.jpg) Kamala's Way, by Dan Morain
![](Inside_Story.jpg) Hillary Clinton: The Inside Story, by Judith Warner
![](Hillary_ACU.jpg) What Every American Should Know, by the American Conservative Union
![](Her_Way.jpg) Her Way, by Jeff Gerth & Don Van Natta
![](Harms_Way.jpg) In Harm's Way, by Dr. Jill Stein
![](Greatest_Hoax.jpg) The Greatest Hoax, by Senator James Inhofe
![](Government_Bullies.jpg) Government Bullies, by Rand Paul
![](Gov_NM.jpg) New Mexico candidates for Governor, past and present
![](Gov_FL.jpg) Florida candidates for Governor, past and present
![](Gomorrah.jpg) Slouching Towards Gomorrah, by Supreme Court Nominee Robert Bork
![](God_and_Hillary.jpg) God and Hillary Clinton: A Spiritual Life, by Paul Kengor
![](End_Fed.jpg) End the Fed, by Ron Paul
![](Dreams_From_My_Father.jpg) Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
![](Democrats_Biographies.jpg) The Democrats, by Alexander Moore
![](Crippled_America.jpg) Crippled America, by Donald J. Trump (Sept. 2015)
![](Courage_to_Stand.jpg) Courage to Stand, by Tim Pawlenty (Jan. 11, 2011)
![](Change_Believe.jpg) Change We Can Believe In
![](Biden_Administration.jpg) Biden campaign vs. Biden administration compared
![](Battle_2008.jpg) The Battle for America 2008, by Dan Balz and Haynes Johnson
![](Art_Of_The_Deal.jpg) The Art of the Deal, by Donald Trump
![](Art_of_Comeback.jpg) The Art of the Comeback, by Donald J. Trump and Kate Bohner
![](American_Son.jpg) An American Son, by Senator Marco Rubio
![](63_Documents.jpg) 63 Documents, by Gov. Jesse Ventura
![](2022_MTP.jpg) Meet the Press interviews, for 2022 elections
![](2022_CNN.jpg) CNN "State of the Union" interviews, for 2022 elections
![](2022_AK_Senate.jpg) 2022 Alaska Senate race
![](2022_ABC.jpg) ABC This Week interviews, for 2022 elections
![](2020_PBS.jpg) PBS News Hour: 2020 Candidate Stands
![](2020_MTP.jpg) Meet the Press interviews, throughout 2020
![](2019_MTP.jpg) Meet the Press interviews, throughout 2019
![](2018_Senate_Web.jpg) Survey of 2018 Senate campaign websites
![](2017_CNN.jpg) CNN "State of the Union" interviews, throughout 2017
![](2016_RNC.jpg) Speeches at the 2016 RNC
![](2016_CampusElect.jpg) CampusElect Voter Guides
![](2015_Justice.jpg) American Leaders Speak Out on Criminal Justice: Brennan Center for Justice essays
![](2014_NM_Gov.jpg) 2014 New Mexico Gubernatorial debates
![](2014_Green.jpg) 2014 Green Party Platform
![](2012_Pres_Web.jpg) Survey of 2012 Presidential contenders' campaign websites
![](2011_FactCheck.jpg) 2011 FactCheck
![](2010_FactCheck.jpg) FactCheck.org analysis of 2010 political speeches
![](2008_AdWatch.jpg) FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 campaign ads
![](2007_AdWatch.jpg) Analysis of 2001-2009 campaign ads
(click a picture above for excerpts or other books and debates about Government Reform)
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![](spacer.gif)
Stacey Abrams on Government Reform
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Democratic Gubernatorial Challenger (GA); 2020 Veepstakes contender |
Click here for 27 full quotes by Stacey Abrams
OR click here for Stacey Abrams on other issues.
- Ensure everyone trusts the system, and it's worthy of that. (Jan 2021)
- Only obligation we have is make sure every vote is counted. (Jan 2021)
- You don't win county by county; you win person by person. (Jan 2021)
- Fair Fight Georgia helped Biden and Democratic Senate. (Nov 2020)
- Restore our public administration infrastructure. (Jun 2020)
- We don't lose gun rights by non-use; why voting rights? (Jun 2020)
- Incumbents abuse system to keep out black election winners. (Jun 2020)
- Voter impersonation found 31 cases out of a billion. (Jun 2020)
- Souls to the polls: Sunday early voting. (Jun 2020)
- Holiday for Election Day, or paid time off to vote. (Jun 2020)
- Electoral College protected slaveholders, not small states. (Jun 2020)
- Get rid of classist, racist Electoral College. (Feb 2020)
- The electoral college is racist and classist. (Nov 2019)
- Elections are rigged when poor communities' voting hindered. (Mar 2019)
- Investigated for registering 86,000 voters in one year. (Mar 2019)
- Register 75,000 out of 800,000 unregistered people of color. (Mar 2019)
- Fair Fight: Bedrock guarantee of right to vote. (Feb 2019)
- Federal shutdowns are a stunt: furloughs hurt workers. (Feb 2019)
- Deliberate interference & disenfranchisement in `18 election. (Nov 2018)
- Disenfranchisement was death by 1,000 cuts. (Nov 2018)
- Sued in 2016 to stop "exact match" on voter registration. (Oct 2018)
- Raising campaign funds asks others to invest in your vision. (Apr 2018)
- Protect voter's rights against voter suppression tactics. (Aug 2017)
- Founded voter registration project. (Aug 2017)
- Head of a voter registration group; focus on minorities. (Apr 2017)
- Exact-match process violates Voting Rights Act. (Mar 2017)
- Stop redistricting voters of color to dilute their votes. (Mar 2017)
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Justin Amash on Government Reform
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Independent MI Rep; possible Presidential Challenger |
Click here for 7 full quotes by Justin Amash
OR click here for Justin Amash on other issues.
- For limited government, not total Presidential authority. (Apr 2020)
- No Pork Pledge: decrease earmarking; increase transparency. (Aug 2010)
- Identify constitutionality in every new congressional bill. (Jul 2010)
- Audit federal agencies, to reform or eliminate them. (Jul 2010)
- Moratorium on all earmarks until budget is balanced. (Jul 2010)
- Member of House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform. (Mar 2011)
- Rated No holiday on election day; no same-day registration. (Mar 2019)
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Joe Biden on Government Reform
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Former Vice President; previously Democratic Senator (DE) |
Click here for 52 full quotes by Joe Biden
OR click here for 8 older headlines
OR click here for Joe Biden on other issues.
- An existential crisis, a test of whether democracy survives. (Jul 2021)
- Daily press briefings for White House, State Dept., and DOD. (Feb 2021)
- Our democracy is under unprecedented assault. (Jan 2021)
- 30 years ago, I proposed campaign finance reform. (Mar 2020)
- Justice Department is not the president's private lawyer. (Feb 2020)
- Statehood good for Puerto Rico, and our whole country. (Jan 2020)
- Immediate focus on health care, education, climate change. (Sep 2019)
- AdWatch 1972: Do you trust politicians? Let me change that. (Jul 2019)
- Reject Super-PACs: "We the People" became "We the Donors". (Nov 2017)
- Countries without state-church separation are in turmoil. (Oct 2008)
- Transparency on earmarks: $250B earmarked for Del. In 2009. (Sep 2008)
- Radical change to preserve family farmers. (Dec 2007)
- Pledges to stop no-bid contracts. (Aug 2007)
- The greatest sin is abuse of power. (Jul 2007)
- Public financing needed: donations are implicitly corrupt. (Oct 1975)
- Accept maximum 2% of donations from any one group. (Oct 1975)
Supreme Court
- Commission of experts to decide on expanding Supreme Court. (Oct 2020)
- Commit to appointing a Black woman to the Supreme Court. (May 2020)
- Don't pack the Supreme Court. (Oct 2019)
- 1987: Bork fight changed rules of nomination process. (Oct 2010)
- As Judiciary Chair, rejected Bork and supported Thomas. (Nov 2007)
- 1988: led fight against nomination of Robert Bork. (Jul 2007)
- Disallowed bringing pornography issues into Thomas hearing. (Feb 2003)
Voter Suppression
- Former president wants to suppress vote & subvert elections. (Jan 2022)
- Won't allow a dagger at the throat of democracy. (Jan 2022)
- Biden administration officially backs statehood for DC. (Apr 2021)
- Make it easier for overseas and federal employees to vote. (Mar 2021)
- Protect the fundamental right to vote, "For the People". (Mar 2021)
- Any country that interferes in US elections will pay a price. (Oct 2020)
- Mail voting works for military; should work for civilians. (Sep 2020)
- Vote, vote, vote; then Trump can't stop you. (Sep 2020)
- Five states have done mail-in ballots for a decade or more. (Sep 2020)
- Americans express their view by who they elect president. (Sep 2020)
- Push plan to make voting machinery & process secure. (Sep 2020)
- Early voting, same day registration safeguards elections. (Sep 2020)
- Not sure on all-mail voting, but start planning for it. (Mar 2020)
- Cannot allow laws restricting black voters to stand. (Feb 2020)
- Supports laws sanctioning Russia for election interference. (Jan 2018)
- History of racism was keeping black Americans from voting. (Jul 2007)
Voting Record
- As V.P., serves as bipartisan dealmaker with Congress. (Mar 2014)
- Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
- Voted NO on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
- Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
- Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
- Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002)
- Voted NO on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002)
- Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001)
- Voted YES on funding for National Endowment for the Arts. (Aug 1999)
- Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)
- Voted YES on Approving the presidential line-item veto. (Mar 1996)
- Voted NO on banning more types of Congressional gifts. (Jul 1995)
- Establish the United States Public Service Academy. (Mar 2007)
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Don Blankenship on Government Reform
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WV Senate contender and Constitution Party presidential nominee |
Click here for 4 full quotes by Don Blankenship
OR click here for Don Blankenship on other issues.
- Repeal 17th amendment; end direct election of senators. (May 2020)
- Oppose National Popular Vote proposal to elect president. (May 2020)
- Oppose statehood for DC & Puerto Rico. (May 2020)
- Media & Republicans conspired to defame me. (Jan 2018)
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Mike Bloomberg on Government Reform
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Mayor of New York City (Independent) |
Click here for 8 full quotes by Mike Bloomberg
OR click here for Mike Bloomberg on other issues.
- Phase out paperless voting machines. (Jan 2020)
- Ensure equal status for Puerto Ricans; supports statehood. (Jan 2020)
- Fund voter registration in FL, WI, OH, MI, and PA. (Mar 2019)
- Make getting on the ballot easier, & better people will run. (Apr 2013)
- Failed to lure Olympics to New York City. (Sep 2010)
- 2005: 8-year term limits; 2009: ran for 3rd term. (Sep 2010)
- All presidential candidates should declare an issues matrix. (May 2007)
- 2001: opposed Giuliani extending NYC term limit. (Jan 2007)
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Cory Booker on Government Reform
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Mayor of Newark; N.J. Senator; 2020 presidential contender (withdrawn) |
Click here for 20 full quotes by Cory Booker
OR click here for Cory Booker on other issues.
- Black voters are pissed off and worried about Dems. (Nov 2019)
- Voter suppression most affects low-income minorities. (Nov 2019)
- Paid family leave and child tax credit expansion for all. (Oct 2019)
- Must lead the fight against voter suppression. (Jul 2019)
- 10-day process to fire Russia probe special prosecutor. (Apr 2018)
- Even billionaires need transparency in confirmation hearings. (Jan 2017)
- Declined lavish perks as Newark City Councilor. (Feb 2016)
- Seek common ground to achieve transformative change. (Feb 2016)
- Founding principle: make laws open to public debate. (Nov 2013)
- Threat to voting rights in America remains very real. (Nov 2013)
- Campaign PAC money shouldn't speak louder than people. (Sep 2012)
- Make it harder for wealthy to influence politicians. (Feb 2002)
- Matching fund for small donors, with debate requirements. (Feb 2013)
- Statehood for the District of Columbia. (Jan 2015)
- Automatic voter registration for all citizens. (Mar 2015)
- Sponsored bill for election holiday & easier voting access. (Mar 2019)
- Sponsored bill to expand voter registration and voter access. (Mar 2021)
- Remove President Trump from office for inciting insurrection. (Jan 2021)
- Sponsored bill for statehood for Washington D.C. (Apr 2021)
- Voted YES on two articles of impeachment against Trump. (Feb 2020)
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Pete Buttigieg on Government Reform
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Democratic Presidential Challenger; IN Mayor |
Click here for 19 full quotes by Pete Buttigieg
OR click here for Pete Buttigieg on other issues.
- As mayor: ask how USDOT worked rather than make demands. (Dec 2020)
- 21st century voting rights: core of Frederick Douglass plan. (Feb 2020)
- End political battlefield of Supreme Court nominations. (Feb 2020)
- Same-day voter registration, and fight voter suppression. (Nov 2019)
- Expand but depoliticize Supreme Court. (Oct 2019)
- Constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United. (Sep 2019)
- We need structural reform; we can reform our democracy. (Jul 2019)
- Amendments among "most elegant features" of Constitution. (Jul 2019)
- Provide new opportunities for voluntary public service. (Jul 2019)
- Prosecution for obstruction shouldn't be president's call. (Jun 2019)
- Offer of foreign electoral help should lead to call to FBI. (Jun 2019)
- Change the way Supreme Court nominees are picked. (Jun 2019)
- Citizens United was a disaster for our democracy. (May 2019)
- Abolish Electoral College; it makes society less democratic. (Apr 2019)
- Need to depoliticize Supreme Court. (Mar 2019)
- Make Supreme Court appointments less partisan. (Mar 2019)
- Open to expanding judiciary in reaction to GOP actions. (Feb 2019)
- Get rid of the Electoral College. (Feb 2019)
- Created plan to ensure diversity in city government jobs. (Jul 2016)
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Julian Castro on Government Reform
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Democratic Presidential Challenger (withdrawn); former HUD Secretary |
Click here for 5 full quotes by Julian Castro
OR click here for Julian Castro on other issues.
- Eliminate the Electoral College. (Jul 2019)
- Mandate paper ballots. (Jul 2019)
- Require candidates to release tax returns. (Apr 2019)
- We need election security against foreign interference. (Apr 2019)
- 1995: Studied overcoming minority voter disenfranchisement. (Oct 2018)
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Bill de Blasio on Government Reform
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NYC Mayor; Democratic Presidential Challenger (withdrawn) |
Click here for 5 full quotes by Bill de Blasio
OR click here for Bill de Blasio on other issues.
- Sue Board of Elections to make Early Voting easier. (Apr 2019)
- Let's get Big Money out of politics. (Jan 2019)
- Same-day registration and no-excuse vote by mail. (Jan 2019)
- Battle corrupting influence of corporate money in politics. (Oct 2013)
- Citizens United is a body blow to our democracy. (Oct 2013)
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Tulsi Gabbard on Government Reform
|
Democratic Presidential Challenger; HI Rep. |
Click here for 11 full quotes by Tulsi Gabbard
OR click here for Tulsi Gabbard on other issues.
- Dems represent foreign policy establishment, not people. (Nov 2019)
- Mandate paper ballots to ensure that every vote is heard. (Nov 2019)
- Eliminate the Electoral College. (Jul 2019)
- Mandate paper ballots. (Jul 2019)
- No photo IDs to vote; they suppress the vote. (Jan 2014)
- Establish "My Voice Voucher" small campaign contributions. (Feb 2014)
- Public financing of federal campaigns by voter vouchers. (Jan 2015)
- Statehood for the District of Columbia. (Jan 2015)
- Automatic voter registration for all citizens. (Mar 2015)
- Holiday on election day; revamp for easier voting access. (Mar 2019)
- Mixed vote on two articles of impeachment against Trump. (Feb 2020)
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Kirsten Gillibrand on Government Reform
|
Democratic Senator (NY); Democratic Candidate for President (withdrawn) |
Click here for 30 full quotes by Kirsten Gillibrand
OR click here for Kirsten Gillibrand on other issues.
- Eliminate the Electoral College. (Jul 2019)
- Mandate paper ballots. (Jul 2019)
- Publicly-funded elections address many other social issues. (Jun 2019)
- Public financing of elections through voter choice. (May 2019)
- Abolish the Electoral College. (Apr 2019)
- Overturn Citizens United; refuse corporate PAC donations. (Jan 2019)
- First member of Congress to post official schedule daily. (Jun 2015)
- Illegal for members of Congress to profit from insider info. (Nov 2013)
- Sunlight Report: lobbyist meetings & earmarks on website. (Jan 2009)
- As U.S. rep held dozens of office hours at grocery stores. (Jan 2009)
- No lobbyist gifts. (Nov 2006)
- Voted YES on Congressional pay raise. (Jul 2009)
- Voted YES on providing a US House seat for the District of Columbia. (Feb 2009)
- Voted YES on requiring lobbyist disclosure of bundled donations. (May 2007)
- Voted YES on granting Washington DC an Electoral vote & vote in Congress. (Apr 2007)
- Voted YES on protecting whistleblowers from employer recrimination. (Mar 2007)
- Supports Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform. (Jul 2001)
- Require Internet disclosure of all earmarks. (May 2010)
- Require full disclosure of independent campaign expenditures. (Jul 2012)
- Matching fund for small donors, with debate requirements. (Feb 2013)
- Statehood for the District of Columbia. (Jan 2015)
- Public financing of federal campaigns by voter vouchers. (Feb 2015)
- Automatic voter registration for all citizens. (Mar 2015)
- Replace electoral college with direct election of president. (Jan 2019)
- Sponsored bill for election holiday & easier voting access. (Mar 2019)
- Repeal automatic Congressional pay raises. (Jan 2009)
- Sponsored bill to expand voter registration and voter access. (Mar 2021)
- Remove President Trump from office for inciting insurrection. (Jan 2021)
- Sponsored bill for statehood for Washington D.C. (Apr 2021)
- Voted YES on two articles of impeachment against Trump. (Feb 2020)
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Mike Gravel on Government Reform
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Libertarian for President; Former Dem. Senator (AK); withdrew from Presidential primary July 2019 |
Click here for 35 full quotes by Mike Gravel
OR click here for Mike Gravel on other issues.
- Replace Electoral College with direct election of President. (Apr 2019)
- Ranked choice voting replaces "lesser of two evils". (Apr 2019)
- Secrecy makes democracy a sham. (May 2008)
- Presidents often tend toward monarchy, especially during war. (May 2008)
- 1972: Senate presented evidence for 1st time in Gravel case. (May 2008)
- 1972: Lost Supreme Court case, United States v. Gravel. (May 2008)
- Senators can & should reveal secret war plans with impunity. (May 2008)
- I hate government secrecy; it only protects government. (May 2008)
- Use political power to accomplish something. (May 2008)
- FISA was created to check abuse of power. (May 2008)
- Public taxpayer funding for federal candidates. (Apr 2008)
- Incumbents blocking FEC matching funds for other candidates. (Apr 2008)
- Average Americans are precluded from decision-making process. (Jan 2008)
- Voting just gives power to politicians; we need more. (Jan 2008)
- National Initiative for Democracy: voters as participants. (Jan 2008)
- Secrecy has gotten worse since Nixon presidency. (Jan 2008)
- Public empowerment appeals to progressives & libertarians. (Nov 2007)
- National Initiative criticized as public opinion bureaucracy. (Nov 2007)
- Americans are getting fatter & dumber; must get empowered!. (Sep 2007)
- Asks candidates to pledge to use existing public finance law. (Aug 2007)
- When you use political capital, more capital flows your way. (Aug 2007)
- Obama avoids PAC money, but takes lobbyists’ bundled money. (Jul 2007)
- Without paper ballots, they’ll steal the next election too. (Jul 2007)
- Congress is Constitutionally more powerful than President. (Jun 2007)
- Congress is Constitutionally more powerful than President. (Jun 2007)
- People protest because they cannot participate in power. (Jun 2007)
- People protest because they cannot participate in power. (Jun 2007)
- Institute healtharereforms by people’s National Initiative. (Mar 2007)
- I’ve got no money; of course I’m for campaign finance reform. (Feb 2007)
- You can be empowered to vote on issues that affect your life. (Feb 2007)
- Repeal the Electoral College; enact federal term limits. (Dec 2006)
- National Initiative to allow citizen law makers. (Nov 2006)
- Start with public financing of campaigns. (Jan 1972)
- Abolish voter registration as precondition for voting. (Jan 1972)
- Replace electoral college with direct election. (Jan 1972)
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Kamala Harris on Government Reform
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Democratic candidate for President (withdrawn); California Senator |
Click here for 11 full quotes by Kamala Harris
OR click here for Kamala Harris on other issues.
- If someone tries to suppress our vote, vote them out. (Jan 2021)
- Lincoln, before 1864 election, left Supreme Court seat open. (Oct 2020)
- Get rid of the Senate filibuster to pass Green New Deal. (Sep 2019)
- Discuss eliminating the Electoral College. (Jul 2019)
- Mandate paper ballots. (Jul 2019)
- New voting rights act; make Election Day a holiday. (May 2019)
- Neighborhood districting increases minority representation. (Oct 2015)
- Statehood for the District of Columbia. (Jan 2015)
- Automatic voter registration for all citizens. (Mar 2015)
- Sponsored bill for election holiday & easier voting access. (Mar 2019)
- Voted YES on two articles of impeachment against Trump. (Feb 2020)
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Howie Hawkins on Government Reform
|
Green Party Challenger for President |
Click here for 8 full quotes by Howie Hawkins
OR click here for Howie Hawkins on other issues.
- Universal voter registration; statehood for DC. (Jul 2020)
- Open debates to third parties on sufficient ballots. (Jul 2020)
- Impeach Trump Now. (May 2019)
- Voter suppression policies need to be reversed. (May 2019)
- Broadcast debates for all ballot-qualified candidates. (Nov 2006)
- Supports publicly financed campaigns. (Aug 2006)
- Abolish the Electoral College; support IRV. (Jun 2006)
- Senators for 20% can block bills favored by 80%. (Nov 2000)
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John Hickenlooper on Government Reform
|
Democratic Presidential Challenger (withdrew, Aug. 2019); CO Governor |
Click here for 12 full quotes by John Hickenlooper
OR click here for John Hickenlooper on other issues.
- Reinstate Voting Rights Act provisions struck down by Court. (Oct 2020)
- Overturn Citizens United. (Jul 2020)
- Pass the electoral reforms of the For the People Act. (Jul 2020)
- End partisan gerrymandering, support Fair Maps Act. (Jul 2020)
- Electoral College should not be eliminated. (Jul 2019)
- Apply LEAN principles to EVERY state agency. (Jan 2014)
- Implement same-day voter registration and mail-in voting. (May 2013)
- Pits and Peeves: Replace red tape with LEAN government. (Jan 2012)
- Judicially liberal, according to CC survey. (Sep 2020)
- Sponsored bill to expand voter registration and voter access. (Mar 2021)
- Remove President Trump from office for inciting insurrection. (Jan 2021)
- Sponsored bill for statehood for Washington D.C. (Apr 2021)
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John Kasich on Government Reform
|
Republican Governor; previously Representative (OH-12); 2000 & 2016 candidate for President |
Click here for 25 full quotes by John Kasich
OR click here for John Kasich on other issues.
- Supreme Court should disallow partisan gerrymandering. (Mar 2018)
- Supreme Court should disallow partisan gerrymandering. (Mar 2018)
- Post-truth environment makes us intolerant of other opinions. (Apr 2017)
- 1979: refused $5,000 raise as State Senator. (Apr 2017)
- Investigate Russian election hacking from within Congress. (Feb 2017)
- My judicial appointments are solid conservatives. (Feb 2016)
- Country too partisan to appoint justice before election. (Feb 2016)
- Freeze all federal regulations for one year. (Jan 2016)
- Let states decide how to govern themselves, not DC. (Oct 2015)
- Move power, money and influence out of Washington. (Sep 2015)
- A handful of billionaires should not decide who is president. (Aug 2015)
- Deal with fundraising influencing voting decisions. (Jul 2015)
- Require complete & sufficient ID on absentee ballots. (Feb 2014)
- End simultaneous registration and early voting. (Feb 2014)
- Skinny-down bureaucracy & kick out special interests. (Nov 2010)
- Bible study group swelled during 1992 House banking scandal. (Jun 2010)
- Separating church and state is goofy misinterpretation. (Jun 2010)
- Limited government supported by our Judeo-Christian ethics. (May 2006)
- 1970s: No judge pay raise until state employee pay raise. (May 2006)
- Money affects ability to honestly assess policy situation. (May 2006)
- Allow faith-based institutions to address social ills. (May 1999)
- Ax Commerce and Energy Depts. (Mar 1999)
- Voted NO on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
- Limit punitive damages; term limits on Congress. (Sep 1994)
- Government is too big, too intrusive, too easy with money. (Sep 1994)
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Amy Klobuchar on Government Reform
|
DFL Sr Senator (MN); Democratic presidential contender |
Click here for 38 full quotes by Amy Klobuchar
OR click here for Amy Klobuchar on other issues.
- Top-to-bottom review of nation's antitrust law is in order. (Apr 2021)
- Increase the budget & staff of Antitrust Division. (Apr 2021)
- Protect voting rights with early voting, mail-in ballots. (Apr 2020)
- Expand early voting, no excuse absentee vote by mail. (Apr 2020)
- Voter restrictions hit with surgical precision on minorities. (Feb 2020)
- Push for voting rights for African-Americans. (Feb 2020)
- Automatic voter registration stops racist voter suppression. (Feb 2020)
- Overturn Citizens United. (Feb 2020)
- Ethics reform languishes due to Senate Republicans. (Dec 2019)
- Constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. (Nov 2019)
- Experience is needed to get voter rights passed. (Nov 2019)
- Register all to vote; ban gerrymandering and voter purges. (Nov 2019)
- Russia didn't just meddle in our election; they invaded it. (Oct 2019)
- Pass Equality Act by marshalling public support. (Oct 2019)
- Election Security Act: mandate paper ballots. (Jul 2019)
- Automatically register citizens to vote when they turn 18. (Mar 2019)
- Honest Ads Act: no more foreign meddling in elections. (Feb 2019)
- Washington’s pay to play system hurts the middle class. (May 2006)
- Institute MN-style restrictions on lobbyist-funded gifts. (May 2006)
- Voted YES on Congressional pay raise. (Jul 2009)
- Voted YES on providing a US House seat for the District of Columbia. (Feb 2009)
- Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
- Voted NO on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
- Require full disclosure of independent campaign expenditures. (Jul 2012)
- No photo IDs to vote; they suppress the vote. (Jan 2014)
- Matching fund for small donors, with debate requirements. (Feb 2013)
- Statehood for the District of Columbia. (Jan 2015)
- Public financing of federal campaigns by voter vouchers. (Feb 2015)
- Automatic voter registration for all citizens. (Mar 2015)
- CC:Oppose strict Constitutionalist judges. (Jul 2018)
- Sponsored bill for election holiday & easier voting access. (Mar 2019)
- Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting. (Nov 2007)
- Repeal automatic Congressional pay raises. (Jan 2009)
- Sponsored bill to expand voter registration and voter access. (Mar 2021)
- Remove President Trump from office for inciting insurrection. (Jan 2021)
- Sponsored bill for statehood for Washington D.C. (Apr 2021)
- Sponsored "Protecting Our Democracy" to restrict president. (Dec 2021)
- Voted YES on two articles of impeachment against Trump. (Feb 2020)
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Gloria La Riva on Government Reform
|
Party for Socialism and Liberation nominee for President |
Click here for 2 full quotes by Gloria La Riva
OR click here for Gloria La Riva on other issues.
- Uniform ballot access; eliminate Electoral College. (Aug 2020)
- Eliminate corporate campaign contributions. (Nov 2010)
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Beto O`Rourke on Government Reform
|
Democratic candidate for President; Texas Senator nominee |
Click here for 22 full quotes by Beto O`Rourke
OR click here for Beto O`Rourke on other issues.
- Eliminate the Electoral College. (Jul 2019)
- Mandate paper ballots. (Jul 2019)
- New voting rights: automatic & same-day voter registration. (Jun 2019)
- New Voting Rights Act: eliminate gerrymandering & PACs. (Jun 2019)
- Same-day voter registration; make election day a holiday. (Jun 2019)
- Term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court. (Jun 2019)
- Monthly Cabinet town halls. (Apr 2019)
- Increase Supreme Court to 15 independent Justices. (Mar 2019)
- Supports term limits for Congress. (Mar 2019)
- End secret spending flooding American elections. (Oct 2018)
- Empower communities by ending gerrymandering. (Oct 2018)
- Committed to personal term limit for serving in Congress. (Aug 2018)
- Members of Congress use our tax dollars to get re-elected. (Nov 2012)
- Matching fund for small donors, with debate requirements. (Jan 2013)
- No photo IDs to vote; they suppress the vote. (Jan 2014)
- Establish "My Voice Voucher" small campaign contributions. (Feb 2014)
- Public financing of federal campaigns by voter vouchers. (Jan 2015)
- No separate contribution limits for party activities. (Jan 2015)
- Statehood for the District of Columbia. (Jan 2015)
- Automatic voter registration for all citizens. (Mar 2015)
- Constitutional amendment for Congressional term limits. (Jan 2017)
- CC:Oppose strict Constitutionalist judges. (Jul 2018)
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Barack Obama on Government Reform
|
Democratic President (2009-2017); IL Senator (2004-2008) |
Click here for 84 full quotes by Barack Obama
OR click here for Barack Obama on other issues.
- FactCheck: Senate GOP blocked over 100 open judgeships. (Sep 2020)
- 2016: sanctions against Russia for election interference. (Jan 2020)
- Don't expect government to solve all problems; just some. (Nov 2017)
- Governing cannot work without compromise. (Jan 2016)
- We've got to make it easier to vote, not harder. (Jan 2016)
- Right to vote is sacred & is being denied to too many. (Jan 2015)
- No one should wait more than a half-hour to vote. (Jan 2014)
- Waiting 6 or 7 hours to cast a ballot betrays our ideals. (Feb 2013)
- OpEd: Achieve via regulation what was blocked in legislation. (Feb 2012)
- OpEd: 2010 federal pay freeze was all smoke and mirrors. (Oct 2011)
- Open Government Initiative on first full day in office. (Apr 2011)
- OpEd: Broke promise to pay for every dime of new spending. (Jan 2011)
- Constitution says what states CAN'T do to you. (Nov 2010)
- Transition team ethics statement: "No Ego, No Glory". (May 2010)
- Used signing statements, like Bush, 17 times in 2009. (May 2010)
- OpEd: shunning Fox News is like Nixon's 1960s Enemies List. (Apr 2010)
- We face a deficit of trust, not just a budget deficit. (Jan 2010)
- FactCheck: Yes, set up first reverse-revolving door policy. (Jan 2010)
- Economic agenda builds new foundation for lasting prosperity. (Feb 2009)
- Eliminate government programs that no longer work. (Aug 2008)
- FactCheck: Worked with McCain on ethics, but bill fell apart. (Aug 2008)
- Cabinet members should hold national town hall meetings. (Jul 2008)
- Need a government that listens to the people again. (Feb 2008)
- Give D.C. the opportunity to elect its own representatives. (Feb 2008)
- Bad idea to over-classify information. (Dec 2007)
- Bush’s signing statements are a clear abuse of prerogative. (Dec 2007)
- Public submits policy ideas on Obama’s “My Policy” website. (Oct 2007)
- Prayer can’t prevent disasters; good policy can handle them. (Aug 2007)
- Registered 150,000 new minority voters in Chicago in 1992. (Jul 2007)
- Half of us don’t vote; time for taking it back. (Jun 2007)
- Bush administration has done “great damage” to U.S. (Mar 2007)
- Filibuster has long tradition, but used to harm civil rights. (Oct 2006)
- Electing US Senators empowers people: keep 17th Amendment. (Oct 2004)
- People are really ready for a message for change. (Jul 2004)
- Campaign race baiting works in both directions. (Aug 1996)
Campaign Finance Reform
- Constitutional Amendment to overturn Citizens United. (Aug 2012)
- Ban insider trading by members of Congress. (Jan 2012)
- Citizens United decision: major victory for Big Oil. (Sep 2010)
- Only a few waivers on lobbyists in senior positions. (Jan 2010)
- Post all earmark request online before each vote. (Jan 2010)
- FactCheck: Yes, agreed to public financing, then declined it. (Oct 2008)
- GovWatch: Promised public financing, and then retreated. (Jun 2008)
- AdWatch: I opt out of broken public campaign finance system. (Jun 2008)
- GovWatch: No, McCain & RNC don’t get much money from PACs. (Jun 2008)
- Lobbyists & special interests have strangle-hold on agenda. (Feb 2008)
- Ended corporate jet travel subsidized by lobbyists. (Feb 2008)
- Never took money from federal lobbyists or their companies. (Jan 2008)
- No lobbyist money; no PAC money; fund campaigns instead. (Jan 2008)
- Money is the original sin in politics and I am not sinless. (Nov 2007)
- Reduced cost TV ads for candidates; $85M presidential limit. (Oct 2007)
- Ok to take $5 donations from drug company employees. (Sep 2007)
- Public campaign financing with free television & radio time. (Aug 2007)
- 1998: First law passed, 52-4, stripping legislator perks. (Aug 2007)
- 2004: Used state money for seemingly political mailing. (Aug 2007)
- No “bundled” money from federal-registered lobbyists. (Aug 2007)
- Campaigns last too long & cost too much. (Aug 2007)
- Doesn’t take PAC money or federal lobbyists’ money. (Jul 2007)
- People know his “bundlers” because he pushed disclosure law. (Jul 2007)
- FactCheck: no lobbyist money; yes from bundlers who lobby. (Jul 2007)
- First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform. (Apr 2007)
- FactCheck: no lobbyist money, yes from lobbyist spouses. (Apr 2007)
- Hopefund PAC pushes government to honor sacred commitments. (Nov 2006)
- Lobbyist influence comes from access, not money. (Oct 2006)
Earmark Reform
- Would love line-item veto, but start with earmark reform. (Jan 2010)
- Freeze discretionary government spending for 3 years. (Jan 2010)
- FactCheck: Yes, earmarks total $18B in this year’s budget. (Oct 2008)
- Eliminating earmarks isn’t enough; but I’ll check every line. (Sep 2008)
- Google for Government: let public track federal grants. (Jul 2008)
- Use technology to shine a light on spending. (Jun 2008)
- Consistently in favor of more disclosure around earmarks. (Feb 2008)
- Created a publicly searchable database on earmarks spending. (Feb 2008)
- Shine light on federal contracts, earmarks, & proposed bills. (Feb 2008)
- Create “Google for Government” to track government spending. (Aug 2007)
- Sponsored bill to disclose earmarks on Internet. (Oct 2006)
Voting Record
- FactCheck: Yes, Obama cast 130 “present” votes in IL Senate. (Jan 2008)
- Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
- Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
- Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
- Election reform is #1 priority to prevent disenfranchisement. (Jan 2001)
- Sponsored bill criminalizing deceptive info about elections. (Nov 2005)
- Sponsored resolution rejecting photo ID for voting. (Sep 2005)
- Sponsored bill to post earmarks on the Internet. (Jan 2006)
- Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007)
- Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting. (Nov 2007)
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Mike Pence on Government Reform
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Republian nominee for Vice President; Governor of Indiana; former Representative (IN-6) |
Click here for 24 full quotes by Mike Pence
OR click here for Mike Pence on other issues.
- Irregularities, but elections are governed at state level. (Dec 2021)
- Universal mail-in voting means massive voter fraud. (Oct 2020)
- Citizens United ruling victory for First Amendment. (Sep 2020)
- FactCheck: Yes, voter ID laws may increase voter turnout. (Sep 2020)
- Impeachment 2020: Trump was acquitted forever. (Feb 2020)
- Campaign was for-profit business; later ruled illegal. (Sep 2019)
- JustIN: state news bureau quickly abandoned. (Sep 2016)
- Americans do not want D.C. elites to run their lives. (Jul 2016)
- Campaign finance reform is on the road to political serfdom. (Apr 2015)
- Campaign Finance Reform is censorship. (Feb 2008)
- Voted NO on Senate pay raise. (Jun 2009)
- Voted YES on requiring lobbyist disclosure of bundled donations. (May 2007)
- Voted YES on granting Washington DC an Electoral vote & vote in Congress. (Apr 2007)
- Voted NO on protecting whistleblowers from employer recrimination. (Mar 2007)
- Voted YES on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
- Voted NO on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
- Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
- Voted YES on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
- Voted YES on restricting frivolous lawsuits. (Sep 2004)
- Voted NO on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)
- Voted YES on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
- Prohibit non-legislated earmarks. (Jul 2005)
- Sunset Act: review every federal agency every 12 years. (Jan 2009)
- Member of House Judiciary Committee. (Mar 2011)
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Bernie Sanders on Government Reform
|
Democratic primary challenger; Independent VT Senator; previously Representative (VT-At-Large) |
Click here for 77 full quotes by Bernie Sanders
OR click here for Bernie Sanders on other issues.
- Independent of Our Revolution, group Sanders launched. (Feb 2020)
- Power to the people, not the billionaires. (Sep 2019)
- Keep filibuster and use other ways to pass laws. (Sep 2019)
- Keep filibuster and use other ways to pass laws. (Sep 2019)
- We need major filibuster reform, but don't abolish it. (Sep 2019)
- Hard to defend the Electoral College. (Jul 2019)
- Rotate judges on Supreme Court, like term limits. (Jun 2019)
- Mainstream media focuses on gossip, lies, & personality. (Nov 2018)
- Wall Street regulates Congress; do it the other way around. (Nov 2016)
- Allow Post Offices to offer banking services. (Nov 2016)
- End private prisons; end profit of incarceration. (Nov 2016)
- Dept. of Defense is only agency never to have been audited. (Feb 2016)
- Best dairy policy is USDA board's supply management. (Oct 2012)
- Introduced Federal Reserve Transparency Act with Ron Paul. (Sep 2010)
- Competitive bidding saves government money. (Jun 1997)
Campaign Finance Reform
- Political contributors control policy. (Mar 2020)
- Wealthy donors turn their backs on working families. (Feb 2020)
- Citizens United is most disastrous decisions in history. (Apr 2019)
- Require disclosure of campaign expenditures over $10,000. (Feb 2019)
- SuperPACs: manifestation of everything wrong with politics. (Nov 2016)
- It's oligarchy when billionaires buy elections. (Mar 2016)
- Campaign financing is corrupt; no Super PAC for me. (Feb 2016)
- Establishment candidates are beholden to big money. (Feb 2016)
- Congress represents the wealthy; they donate to ensure that. (Feb 2016)
- Litmus test for Supreme Court on Citizens United. (Feb 2016)
- Overturn Citizens United: America is one person, one vote. (Feb 2016)
- Presidency isn't winnable with public financing. (Feb 2016)
- Citizens United means billionaires donate for THEIR interest. (Oct 2015)
- Super-PACs pervert the democratic process. (Sep 2015)
- Public funding of elections to promote even playing field. (Sep 2015)
- We now have government of, by, and for the billionaires. (Sep 2015)
- Constitutional amendment to reverse Citizen United ruling. (Apr 2015)
- Citizens United opens up the road to oligarchy. (Sep 2014)
- America struggles between organized people & organized money. (Nov 2012)
- Rich people use wealth to elect people to make them richer. (Dec 2010)
- Receives more contributions, but fewer dollars, than GOP. (Jun 1997)
- Accepts PAC money, but not from special interests. (Jun 1997)
- Publicly fund elections, or small individual contributions. (Jun 1997)
Right to Vote
- Enforce simple rule: every over 18 has the right to vote. (Nov 2019)
- Mandate paper ballots. (Jul 2019)
- End voter suppression; make it easier to vote. (Apr 2019)
- Sovereign rights & voting rights for Native Americans. (Nov 2018)
- Unity Reform Commission: reduce power of superdelegates. (Aug 2018)
- Russian cyber-attacks threaten integrity of US elections. (Jul 2018)
- Ruling class wants a lack of political consciousness. (Nov 2016)
- Participation in politics as easy and convenient as possible. (Nov 2016)
- Automatic voter registration at age 18. (Nov 2016)
- Automatic voter registration; holiday for Election Day. (Jul 2016)
- GOP loves voter suppression because it lets them win. (Feb 2016)
- Reinforce voting rights to end voter suppression. (Sep 2015)
- Underclass see the political deck stacked; and don't vote. (Mar 2014)
- Low-income workers don't vote because it's irrelevant. (Jun 1997)
Voting Record
- Same-day automatic voter registration & 3-day voting. (Jun 1997)
- Voted YES on Congressional pay raise. (Jul 2009)
- Voted YES on providing a US House seat for the District of Columbia. (Feb 2009)
- Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
- Voted NO on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
- Voted NO on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
- Voted NO on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
- Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
- Voted NO on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
- Voted YES on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)
- Voted NO on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
- Voted YES on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
- Proportional IRV voting for Electoral College. (Mar 2001)
- Criminalize false or deceptive info about elections. (Nov 2005)
- Require full disclosure of independent campaign expenditures. (Jul 2012)
- Matching fund for small donors, with debate requirements. (Feb 2013)
- Statehood for the District of Columbia. (Jan 2015)
- Public financing of federal campaigns by voter vouchers. (Feb 2015)
- Automatic voter registration for all citizens. (Mar 2015)
- CC:Oppose strict Constitutionalist judges. (Jul 2018)
- Sponsored bill to expand voter registration and voter access. (Mar 2021)
- Remove President Trump from office for inciting insurrection. (Jan 2021)
- Sponsored bill for statehood for Washington D.C. (Apr 2021)
- Sponsored "Protecting Our Democracy" to restrict president. (Dec 2021)
- Voted YES on two articles of impeachment against Trump. (Feb 2020)
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Mark Sanford on Government Reform
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Republican SC Governor; previously Representative (SC-1); GOP Presidential Challenger (withdrawn) |
Click here for 21 full quotes by Mark Sanford
OR click here for Mark Sanford on other issues.
- Trump not releasing returns hurts democracy's transparency. (Aug 2016)
- I was against earmarks before being anti-earmark was cool. (Apr 2013)
- Get legislative "voice votes" on the record. (Apr 2012)
- End unlimited and undisclosed campaign donations. (Jan 2010)
- Change rules of governorship and state officers. (Jan 2010)
- Bring horse-and-buggy government into the 21st century. (Nov 2006)
- Limit campaign contributions but not campaign spending. (Nov 2002)
- Term-limited Congressmen do behave differently. (Nov 2000)
- Cut his own staff and returned funds for staff pay annually. (Nov 2000)
- Supported 6- year congressional term-limits. (Nov 2000)
- Pledged never to take any PAC money. (Nov 2000)
- 1995 government shutdown was a good thing, not a crisis. (Nov 2000)
- Require that congressional pay raises have open votes. (Nov 2000)
- Voted YES on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
- Identify constitutionality in every new congressional bill. (Jul 2010)
- Audit federal agencies, to reform or eliminate them. (Jul 2010)
- Moratorium on all earmarks until budget is balanced. (Jul 2010)
- Signed term limit pledge: 6 years House; 12 years Senate. (Nov 2014)
- Constitutional amendment for Congressional term limits. (Jan 2017)
- Limit punitive damages; term limits on Congress. (Sep 1994)
- Government is too big, too intrusive, too easy with money. (Sep 1994)
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Howard Schultz on Government Reform
|
Starbucks CEO; independent candidate for President until July 2019 |
Click here for 4 full quotes by Howard Schultz
OR click here for Howard Schultz on other issues.
- Political contributions unduly influence policy. (Mar 2019)
- Gerrymandered districts reflect will of political parties. (Mar 2019)
- Reduce partisanship with 2/3 vote for Court nominations. (Mar 2019)
- Our government's dysfunction is great & we need to fix it. (Mar 2019)
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Tom Steyer on Government Reform
|
Democratic Presidential Challenger; CEO |
Click here for 12 full quotes by Tom Steyer
OR click here for Tom Steyer on other issues.
- Russian election interference is cyberwarfare. (Feb 2020)
- GOP is stacking courts, need Dem win to stop it. (Feb 2020)
- I'm the only candidate who'll talk about term limits. (Nov 2019)
- Electoral victories require high turnout among young people. (Nov 2019)
- The right to vote is gateway to inclusive democracy. (Nov 2019)
- 12-year Congressional term limits for generational shift. (Oct 2019)
- Government is broken; push power back to people. (Jul 2019)
- Opposes Citizens United decision. (Jul 2019)
- Opposes Citizens United ruling on corporate donations. (Jul 2019)
- It's up to us to un-rig the voting system. (Jul 2019)
- Electoral College votes should reflect popular vote. (Jul 2019)
- Looking for old fashioned values, character and transparency. (Feb 2018)
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Donald Trump on Government Reform
|
2016 Republican incumbent President; 2000 Reform Primary Challenger for President |
Click here for 47 full quotes by Donald Trump
OR click here for Donald Trump on other issues.
- FactCheck: 128 judgeships open because Senate GOP forced it. (Sep 2020)
- Obama left 128 openings for judges; I appointed 300. (Sep 2020)
- Solicited mail-in ballots ok; unsolicited ballots are fraud. (Sep 2020)
- Confirmation of Neil Gorsuch among top accomplishments. (Sep 2020)
- Against mail-in voting, early voting as terrible, dishonest. (Feb 2020)
- FactCheck: Whistleblower rules never require 1st-hand report. (Sep 2019)
- Our news media is the enemy of the people. (Jul 2018)
- We don't worship government; we worship God. (Feb 2018)
- Trump made a profit from his 2016 campaign. (Nov 2017)
- FactCheck: Removed more regulations than other presidents. (Oct 2017)
- Lifetime ban on becoming foreign lobbyists. (Feb 2017)
- For every new regulation, must eliminate two old ones. (Feb 2017)
- Proud to work with McConnell to appoint conservative judges. (May 2016)
- Get rid of waste, fraud, & abuse in every single agency. (Mar 2016)
- I wouldn't nominate my sister to Supreme Court. (Feb 2016)
- Delay, delay, delay on Supreme Court appointment. (Feb 2016)
- I would build consensus, not use Executive Orders. (Feb 2016)
- Hug 'em & kiss 'em & make deals, instead of executive orders. (Feb 2016)
- Mutually profitable 2-way relationship with the media. (Nov 2015)
- Get rid of the regulations that are just destroying us. (Sep 2015)
- Speak simply & clearly, even when addressing Congress. (Oct 2006)
- Government scrutiny is greatest threat to American Dream. (Jul 2000)
- Government should do public works & safety & little else. (Jul 2000)
- Loser pays all costs, and over-litigiousness stops. (Oct 1997)
- Rebuilt Wollman Rink in 4 months; city failed for 6 years. (Jul 1987)
Voting and Campaign Reform
- Only one election day, and limit absentee ballot access. (Feb 2021)
- HR 1 election reform bill: this monster must be stopped. (Feb 2021)
- The only way I can lose is with massive voter fraud. (Oct 2020)
- I'm urging my base to watch the polls on Election Day. (Sep 2020)
- Elections have consequences; I'm elected for four years. (Sep 2020)
- Against funding post office due to mail-in ballots. (Aug 2020)
- Against funding post office due to mail-in ballots. (Aug 2020)
- Electoral College brings you to many states. (Jun 2019)
- Opposes Johnson Amendment barring clergy endorsements. (Feb 2018)
- Many things can go wrong when early voting goes on too long. (Dec 2016)
- It's scary that people can vote without ID. (Nov 2016)
- There are millions who should not be registered to vote. (Oct 2016)
- 1980s: donated 30 times over campaign contribution limit. (Aug 2016)
- Maximum representation & maximum voter participation. (Apr 2016)
- Reject the elite election system; infuse popular will. (Apr 2016)
- SuperPACs are a disaster and cause dishonesty. (Oct 2015)
- Candidates should disavow PACs. (Oct 2015)
- I'm not accepting any money from anybody. (Sep 2015)
- I give to politicians; and they give back: that's broken!. (Aug 2015)
- Two-term limit on NYC mayor is a terrible idea. (Sep 2010)
- Ban soft money; but allow unlimited personal contributions. (Jul 2000)
- Supports same campaign finance rules to all organizations. (Nov 2016)
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Jesse Ventura on Government Reform
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Former Independent MN Governor; possible Presidential Challenger |
Click here for 44 full quotes by Jesse Ventura
OR click here for Jesse Ventura on other issues.
- I believe there should be term limits. (Aug 2016)
- Require paper ballots & hand-counting. (Mar 2010)
- Electronic voting machines are a GOP conflict of interest. (Mar 2010)
- CIA operatives in every state government. (Mar 2010)
- Get rid of the antiquated Electoral College. (Mar 2010)
- Term limits in Congress would limit lobbyist power. (Apr 2008)
- Bingo Saga: allow Bingo from somewhere in 1,000 law volumes. (Apr 2008)
- States should not be in business of building sports stadiums. (Apr 2008)
- Term limits for politicians AND for political press. (Apr 2008)
- Get rid of elitist, bankrupt Electoral College. (Apr 2008)
- Limit campaign money to one publicly-funded source. (Apr 2008)
- Get presidential debates out of the hands of the two parties. (Apr 2008)
- 1996: Dole & Clinton conspired to limit presidential debates. (Apr 2008)
- Credits win to public financing & same-day registration. (Oct 2002)
- Get money out of politics, could be better spent elsewhere. (Mar 2001)
- We need to upgrade our voting process. (Mar 2001)
- Will not actively fund-raise for re-election: “No strings”. (Feb 2001)
- Close soft money loophole, give candidates public money. (Jan 2001)
- Open up, simplify, & demystify government. (Dec 2000)
- Single House Legislature returns power to people. (Dec 2000)
- Constitution is designed to be interpreted. (Jul 2000)
- Feds leach away states’ rights. (Jul 2000)
- Ban campaigning while earning a public paycheck. (Jul 2000)
- Ban PAC funding; limit soft money; limit free air time. (Jul 2000)
- Avoiding candidate debates cheats the American public. (Jan 2000)
- Give every new program a sunset clause to force evaluation. (Mar 1999)
- Government should get out of the way and let people live. (Jan 1999)
- Government service should be temporary; not a career. (Jan 1999)
- Fought and lost on removing stupid milk regulations. (Jan 1999)
- Spend every 4th year removing obsolete laws. (Jan 1999)
- Put political process on TV; exposure beats incumbency. (Jan 1999)
- To change system, private citizens must get involved. (Jan 1999)
Secrecy
- CIA's job is often to cover up the truth. (Apr 2011)
- Kennedy assassination involved CIA, Pentagon, & 2nd gunman. (Mar 2010)
- Government cites "national security" for too many secrets. (Mar 2010)
- Release 10,000 documents held under "national security". (Mar 2010)
- Democracy cannot survive while hiding secrets. (Apr 2008)
- Oswald did not act alone in JFK assassination. (Apr 2008)
- 2004 class: Warren Commission was wrong on JFK. (Apr 2008)
- CIA plants operatives in state government positions. (Apr 2008)
Voting Record
- Unicameral state legislature would be more democratic. (Apr 2008)
- ATMs offer receipts and so should electronic voting machines. (Apr 2008)
- Supports a Unicameral Legislature. (Nov 1998)
- Reforms must respect state's rights to select electors. (Aug 2001)
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Joe Walsh on Government Reform
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Republican presidential primary challenger (former IL Rep.) |
Click here for 7 full quotes by Joe Walsh
OR click here for Joe Walsh on other issues.
- No opinion on campaign finance reform. (Sep 2019)
- Identify constitutionality in every new congressional bill. (Jul 2010)
- Audit federal agencies, to reform or eliminate them. (Jul 2010)
- Moratorium on all earmarks until budget is balanced. (Jul 2010)
- Member of House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform. (Mar 2011)
- Ban stock trading based on Congressional insider knowledge. (Nov 2011)
- No recess appointments without Congressional approval. (Jan 2012)
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Elizabeth Warren on Government Reform
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Massachusetts Senator; former head of CFPB; Dem. Presidential Challenger |
Click here for 33 full quotes by Elizabeth Warren
OR click here for Elizabeth Warren on other issues.
- Vote by mail is an easy solution to pandemic restrictions. (Apr 2020)
- AG takes loyalty oath to Constitution, not president. (Feb 2020)
- FactCheck: prolific past presence with high-dollar donors. (Feb 2020)
- Now, our government is corrupt, works for rich only. (Feb 2020)
- Current election financing system favors rich. (Feb 2020)
- I've done 100,000 selfies, at no cost for each handshake. (Dec 2019)
- Million-dollar donors shouldn't get ambassadorships. (Nov 2019)
- End lobbying as we know it. (Nov 2019)
- The elephant in the room is how campaigns are financed. (Oct 2019)
- Pass Equality Act in Senate with more Dems or end filibuster. (Oct 2019)
- End corruption of government by corporations & billionaires. (Sep 2019)
- Why run for president to say what we can't do? (Jul 2019)
- Constitutional Amendment to protect the right to vote. (Apr 2019)
- Reduce influence of lobbyists, end "revolving door". (Apr 2019)
- Every vote matters: so abolish the Electoral College. (Apr 2019)
- Fight voter suppression; abolish Electoral College. (Mar 2019)
- Supports a lifetime ban on officials becoming lobbyists. (Aug 2018)
- Electing judges is a slippery slope to judges for sale. (Apr 2017)
- OpEd: Bullies regulated companies into donation disclosure. (Nov 2014)
- It's THEIR money & power against OUR voices & votes. (May 2014)
- Instead of voter suppression, do everything to help register. (Apr 2014)
- Overcome Wall Street's lobbyists & Congress' dirty tricks. (Dec 2011)
- Congress must represent the people and be held accountable. (Apr 2010)
- Matching fund for small donors, with debate requirements. (Feb 2013)
- Statehood for the District of Columbia. (Jan 2015)
- Public financing of federal campaigns by voter vouchers. (Feb 2015)
- Automatic voter registration for all citizens. (Mar 2015)
- Sponsored bill for election holiday & easier voting access. (Mar 2019)
- Sponsored bill to expand voter registration and voter access. (Mar 2021)
- Remove President Trump from office for inciting insurrection. (Jan 2021)
- Sponsored bill for statehood for Washington D.C. (Apr 2021)
- Sponsored "Protecting Our Democracy" to restrict president. (Dec 2021)
- Voted YES on two articles of impeachment against Trump. (Feb 2020)
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Bill Weld on Government Reform
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Libertarian Party nominee for Vice Pres.; former GOP MA Governor; 2020 GOP Presidential Challenger |
Click here for 4 full quotes by Bill Weld
OR click here for Bill Weld on other issues.
- Accepts donations from individuals and PACs. (Sep 2019)
- Blow up unnecessary state agencies. (Feb 2019)
- Supports term limits; they bring in fresh blood. (Oct 1996)
- Reinvent ourselves from failed dogmas of big government. (Jan 1996)
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Marianne Williamson on Government Reform
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Author & Democratic Presidential Challenger |
Click here for 5 full quotes by Marianne Williamson
OR click here for Marianne Williamson on other issues.
- For constitutional amendment for public funding of campaigns. (Jul 2019)
- DC should have representation in Congress. (Apr 2019)
- Must address election security & Russian interference. (Apr 2019)
- No voter ID; no politicized gerrymandering. (Apr 2019)
- Establish public financing for federal campaigns. (Apr 2019)
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Andrew Yang on Government Reform
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Democratic Presidential Challenger & Tech CEO |
Click here for 20 full quotes by Andrew Yang
OR click here for Andrew Yang on other issues.
- Appoint small business czar to help in recovery efforts. (Mar 2021)
- Give NYC control over city's transit system. (Mar 2021)
- Make Election Day a national holiday. (Feb 2020)
- Banning Electoral College non-starter; reform system. (Feb 2020)
- Foreign meddling in our elections is an act of aggression. (Nov 2019)
- Automatic voter registration & lower voting age to 16. (Nov 2019)
- Wash out corrupt lobbyist money with people-powered money. (Sep 2019)
- You get what you measure, so decide what to measure. (Sep 2019)
- Democracy Dollars will wash out lobbyist cash. (Sep 2019)
- Electoral College should not be eliminated. (Jul 2019)
- Change Electoral College by proportional allocation of votes. (May 2019)
- Congress should lower Federal voting age to 16. (May 2019)
- Electoral College: allocate state votes proportionally. (May 2019)
- Lower voting age to 16 in federal elections. (May 2019)
- Supports statehood for DC & Puerto Rico. (Apr 2019)
- Create department to regulate social media. (Apr 2019)
- Adopt ranked-choice voting model for all primaries. (Mar 2019)
- Provide every eligible voter with $100 Democracy Dollars. (Mar 2019)
- Constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. (Mar 2019)
- Make Puerto Rico a state. (Feb 2019)
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