Dave Loebsack: H.R. 20 Takes a stand against big-money politics

By Dave Loebsack and John Sarbanes, guest columnists

Five years after the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling, the corrosive influence of big money on our politics and government has metastasized, leaving most citizens deeply cynical about the state of American democracy.

Last November, amid the most expensive midterm elections in history, we experienced the lowest voter turnout since the Second World War. While there's no definitive link between record spending in elections and low voter turnout, it is easy to see they are related.

Voting is an expression of confidence that those sent to govern will do so in the public interest. Unfortunately, most Americans look at Washington and conclude it's the special interests that are calling the shots - blocking progress on important issues like the economy, the environment, food safety, taxes and civil rights. No wonder voters are staying home.

But most people who run for public office do so out of a sincere desire to help others and to make a difference in their community. Many are deeply frustrated by the outsized role of money in politics and long to restore Congress' credibility with the public. To do this, we must empower everyday Americans to take back our democracy and return us to a government of, by and for the people.

There is another way to dilute big money's influence. We can set up a small-donor fundraising system to compete with today's big-money politics. That's the idea behind H.R. 20, the Government By the People Act. Under this proposal, Americans would receive a 'My Voice” Tax Credit for small-donor political contributions, giving them the means to participate in the funding of campaigns. For candidates that agree to voluntary contribution limits, H.R. 20 would boost small donations with a matching fund, giving everyday citizens a voice that competes with that of the wealthy donors.

By making citizen-funded elections a viable alternative to our current big money system, candidates can spend more time with constituents. Imagine the Iowa Caucuses recreated all across the country with a Congressman standing in your living room listening to your priorities because you and your neighbors have the power to fund his or her campaign. That's the promise of a small-donor matching system.

With this kind of reform, there's hope that we can take back our democracy.

' Congressman Dave Loebsack represents Iowa's Second Congressional District, and Congressman John Sarbanes represents Maryland's Third Congressional District. Comments: (319) 351-0789 or (866) 914-IOWA.