Fight Back Against Big Money in Politics

On Sept. 8, the U.S. Senate has an historic opportunity to begin to restore some balance in our political system by voting "yes" on S.J. Resolution 19, a Constitutional Amendment to enable Congress to limit political spending and get big money out of politics.

In Virginia, CWAers and allies working to get big money out of politics deliver tens of thousands of signed petitions to Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.

CWA Legislative-Political Team Activists joined other members of Common Cause, Public Citizen, People for the American Way and other organizations in working to take on big money in politics in rallies and actions this week. CWAers helped deliver petitions signed by tens of thousands of citizens to their Senators in Virginia, Illinois and Indiana.

Money isn't speech. But the Supreme Court, in several decisions, has given this flood of corporate money and massive contributions from wealthy donors the protections of free speech. The result: the richest one-tenth of 1 percent controls our elections and drowns out the voices of ordinary citizens.

The Democracy for All Amendment requires two-thirds approval of the Senate, House and the states. It's a long road. But there is strong grassroots and public support for taking action that makes it clear that money isn't speech and that Congress can restrict political spending.

So far, 16 states and more than 550 cities have formally called on Congress to pass the amendment.

Make your voice heard. Send a message to your Senators here.