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Going Rogue, by Sarah Palin
Georgia candidates for Governor, past and present
Jeb Bush: Aggressive Conservatism in Florida, by Robert E. Crew
Our Time Is Now, by Stacey Abrams
Our Revolution, by Bernie Sanders
Outsider in the House, by Senator Bernie Sanders (I, VT)
Do the Right Thing, by Mike Huckabee
100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future, by Marco Rubio
NY newspaper: Wall Street Journal
Leadership and Crisis, by Bobby Jindal
Fed Up!, by Rick Perry (Nov. 15, 2010)
A Time for Truth, by Ted Cruz (Jan. 2016)
The Natural, by Joe Klein
Political coverage on Politico.com
IA newspaper: The Des Moines Register
Alaska candidates for Governor, past and present
America the Beautiful, by Ben Carson
CNN "State of the Union" interviews, throughout 2020
Politico 2020Dems
Speeches at Conservative Political Action Conferences (2016-2019)
CampusElect 2018 candidate summary - Senate
2011 Republican primary debate on Twitter.com, July 21, 2011
FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 primary debates
Where We Go From Here: Two Years in the Resistance
American Civil Liberties Union congressional voting recommendations
Unintimidated: A Governor's Story, by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker
The Tea Party Goes to Washington, by Rand Paul (Feb. 22, 2011)
Stand For Something, by John Kasich
Seven Principles of Good Government: Gary Johnson
Texas Senate candidates, past and present
The Rise of Marco Rubio, by Manuel Roig-Franzia
Jeb: America's Next Bush, by S.V. Date
Time magazine
Political coverage on The Huffington Post
CA newspaper: The Los Angeles Times
Political coverage by the Associated Press
Political coverage by the Associated Press
Living History, by Hillary Rodham Clinton
Wisconsin state legislative records
Florida state legislative records
Lead from the Outside, by Stacey Abrams
FeelTheBern grassroots website
The Contenders, by Laura Flanders et al.
Living Beyond Your Lifetime: How to be Intentional about the Legacy You Leave, by Mike Huckabee
The America We Deserve, by Donald Trump
2020 Vice Presidential prospects
Speeches at CPAC 2020s
2019-2021 Town Halls on CNN
AFA Action iVoterGuides
The 2015 Iowa Freedom Summit, Ag Summit, and other Iowa events
Washington Post, "The Fact Checker"
Two Paths: America Divided or United, by John Kasich
Trump Research Book
Trump campaign vs. Trump administration compared
Tough Choices, by CEO Carly Fiorina
New Mexico Senate candidates, past and present
Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics, by Joe Biden
Obama: From Promise to Power, by David Mendell
Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose
The Party's Over, by former Florida Governor Charlie Crist
Obamanomics, by John R. Talbott, published July 1, 2008
Now Or Never, by Sen. Jim DeMint
WorldNetDaily.com
Twitter.com election tweets
Truthout.org political website
The National Press Club
National Action Network annual conference
The Washington Times
The Washington Post, 2000-2009
CNBC coverage of political news
Madame Hillary, by R. Emmett Tyrell of The American Spectator
A Life of Trial and Redemption, by Jules Witcover
Ohio state legislative records
Georgia state legislative records
Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest, by John K. Wilson
Wisconsin candidates for Governor, past and present
Ohio candidates for Governor, past and present
The Faith of Donald J. Trump: A Spiritual Biography, by David Brody & Scott Lamb
Every Other Monday, by John Kasich
Cruzing Republicans to the White House, by Mario Broes & Daniel Gibson
Character Makes a Difference, by Mike Huckabee
Character IS the Issue, by Mike Huckabee
The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama
American Dreams, by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
America by Heart, by Sarah Palin
The Hill on 2020s campaigns
CNN Climate Crisis Town Hall
CBS "Face the Nation" interviews, thoughout 2020
Meet the Press interviews, throughout 2018
CNN "State of the Union" interviews, throughout 2018
CBS "Face the Nation" interviews, thoughout 2018
CampusElect 2018 candidate summary - Governors
CBS 2015 Democratic primary debate
Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2010-2011
Survey of 2009 and 2010 Senate campaign websites
Survey of 2010 Governor`s campaign websites
FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 primary debates
Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy, by Amanda Carpenter
The Unique Voice of Hillary Clinton
Trump Revealed, by Kranish and Fisher
Trump 101 by Donald Trump
To Save America: Stopping Obama's Secular-Socialist Machine, by Newt Gingrich
Third World America, by Arianna Huffington
The Speech, by Bernie Sanders
The Promise: President Obama, Year One, by Jonathan Alter
2010: Take Back America, by Dick Morris & Eileen McGann
Suicide of a Superpower, by Pat Buchanan
A Very Stable Genius, by Rucker & Leonnig
Speaking for Myself, by Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Should Barack Obama Be President? by Fred Zimmerman, published Oct. 2006
Vermont Senate candidates, past and present
Illinois Senate candidates, past and present
Alaska Senate candidates, past and present
A Senator Speaks Out, by Rick Santorum (June 8, 2005)
Profiles in Character, by Jeb Bush & B.Yablonski, published January 1996
Intro to Playing Bigger, by Sen. Bernie Sanders
Piety & Power, by Tom LoBianco
Barack Obama in His Own Words, by Barack Obama, edited by Lisa Rogak
One Vote Away, by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)
One Vote, by Ben Carson and Candy Carson
On My Honor, by Rick Perry
The Myth of a Maverick, by Matt Welch
Mike Bloomberg: Money, Power, Politics, by Joyce Purnick
Minority Leader, by Stacey Abrams
Intro to Milk Money, by Sen. Bernie Sanders
Wikipedia.org political website
Political coverage in U.S. News and World Report
USA Today magazine
Texas newspaper: The Houston Chronicle
The New Republic magazine
RollCall.com
PoliticalWire.com political news briefs
New York newspaper: The New York Post
National Public Radio political news
Newsmax magazine
New Republic magazine
Political coverage in National Review
MI newspaper: The Detroit Free Press
The Metro
MA newspaper: The Boston Globe, 2000s
MA newspaper: The Boston Globe
IL newspaper: The Chicago Tribune
Human Events magazine
GA newspaper: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Democracy Now! website
The Washington Post, 2019-2022
The Washington Post, 2010-2019
Political coverage on TheDailyBeast.com
CNN political race coverage
Council on Foreign Relations (think tank)
AK newspaper: Anchorage Daily News
The Making of Donald Trump, by D.C.Johnston
The Long Game, by Senator Mitch McConnell
Texas state legislative records
California state legislative records
Kamala's Way, by Dan Morain
Hillary Clinton: The Inside Story, by Judith Warner
What Every American Should Know, by the American Conservative Union
Her Way, by Jeff Gerth & Don Van Natta
In Harm's Way, by Dr. Jill Stein
The Greatest Hoax, by Senator James Inhofe
Government Bullies, by Rand Paul
New Mexico candidates for Governor, past and present
Florida candidates for Governor, past and present
Slouching Towards Gomorrah, by Supreme Court Nominee Robert Bork
God and Hillary Clinton: A Spiritual Life, by Paul Kengor
End the Fed, by Ron Paul
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
The Democrats, by Alexander Moore
Crippled America, by Donald J. Trump (Sept. 2015)
Courage to Stand, by Tim Pawlenty (Jan. 11, 2011)
Change We Can Believe In
Biden campaign vs. Biden administration compared
The Battle for America 2008, by Dan Balz and Haynes Johnson
The Art of the Deal, by Donald Trump
The Art of the Comeback, by Donald J. Trump and Kate Bohner
An American Son, by Senator Marco Rubio
63 Documents, by Gov. Jesse Ventura
Meet the Press interviews, for 2022 elections
CNN "State of the Union" interviews, for 2022 elections
2022 Alaska Senate race
ABC This Week interviews, for 2022 elections
PBS News Hour: 2020 Candidate Stands
Meet the Press interviews, throughout 2020
Meet the Press interviews, throughout 2019
Survey of 2018 Senate campaign websites
CNN "State of the Union" interviews, throughout 2017
Speeches at the 2016 RNC
CampusElect Voter Guides
American Leaders Speak Out on Criminal Justice: Brennan Center for Justice essays
2014 New Mexico Gubernatorial debates
2014 Green Party Platform
Survey of 2012 Presidential contenders' campaign websites
2011 FactCheck
FactCheck.org analysis of 2010 political speeches
FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 campaign ads
Analysis of 2001-2009 campaign ads
(click a picture above for excerpts or other books and debates about Government Reform)
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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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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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