RPUSA: DEFEAT THE SENATE’S “INCUMBENT PROTECTION ACT”
February 26, 2002
REFORM PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3281 North Meadow Mine Place
Tucson, AZ 85745
Tucson, AZ.—In the wake of the U.S. House passage of the "Shays-Meehan" campaign finance "reform" bill, the Reform Party USA urges all Americans to oppose its twin, the "McCain-Feingold" bill, in the U.S. Senate. In a statement today, Gerry Moan, National Chairman of the RPUSA said, “If the Senate passes this bill and President Bush signs it, as promised, this ‘Incumbent Protection Act’ will strip citizens of their rights to contribute to the party and cause of their choice. It will limit freedom of speech for groups who wish to speak out against incumbents and their well-oiled political machines within 60 days of a general election and 30 days of a primary election.“
“These bills are clearly unconstitutional,” added Moan. “The First Amendment grants rights to free speech which these bills blatantly restrict. The Reform Party platform is the ONLY political platform of its kind. It is sensible and offers reasonable steps Congress can take RIGHT NOW to make elections fairer.”
The RPUSA’s founding principles regarding political/campaign reform advocate shorter election cycles, term limits, and the requirement that Senators and members of Congress raise all campaign funds from voters within their jurisdictions. The Reform Party platform supports vigorous enforcement of all present campaign finance laws. The RPUSA also recommends changing the composition of the Federal Elections Commission to include independent and non-partisan members. It endorses free and equal access to the media resources for all qualified candidates and free air time for candidate forums on TV and radio for all qualified candidates, or presidential candidates that qualify for matching funds. And it opposes the use of political action committees (PACS).
“We urge all Americans to call or e-mail both of their U.S. Senators immediately to tell them they must preserve the right of Americans to have a voice in political campaigns,” Moan said. “Urge them to adopt the Reform Party USA's plan. We are proud to stand as the only political party that represents true campaign reform.”
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http://reformparty.org/NewsViews/2002/pr020226.html