TurtleDreams: February 2014

Monday, February 24, 2014

February 24, 2014 Dear Stefan, Thank you for reaching out to me regarding campaign finance reform. Listening to my constituents is a fundamental part of my job as it helps me to best represent you and New Hampshire's priorities in Congress. I share your concerns about the disproportionate influence that corporate and special interests have in American politics, especially after the 2010 Citizens United ruling. The campaign finance system now in place is stacked against New Hampshire's middle class families. As your Representative, I will fight to restore standards of fairness and openness to our electoral process. That's why I helped introduce H.R. 20, the Government By the People Act, which proposes a series of measures designed to amplify the voices of everyday Americans. To empower everyday Americans to participate in congressional elections, this legislation would provide individuals with a "My Voice" $25 refundable tax credit to spur small contributions to candidates. The bill would also present candidates with a viable alternative to the current campaign finance system. Under this plan, smaller contributions to candidates who attract significant grassroots support and forgo traditional political action committee funding would be matched at a six-to-one rate. Such a system would ensure every voice could be heard, so that every American has the ability to play an active and equal role in our electoral process. I am also a cosponsor of H.J.Res. 25, which proposes a constitutional amendment that would clarify the authority of Congress and the states to regulate the expenditure of funds for political activity by corporations. Please know that I will keep your thoughtful views regarding campaign finance reform in mind when advocating for a fairer electoral system. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me. I strive to maintain an open dialogue with the people of New Hampshire about issues important to our district. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my Concord office at (603) 226-1002 or my Washington, DC office at (202) 225-5206 or visit my website at http://Kuster.house.gov. Sincerely, Ann McLane Kuster Member of Congress