February, 03 2015, 11:45am EDT
Lobby Day in Concord to Help Make New Hampshire the Next State to Back a Constitutional Amendment to Protect Democracy From Corporate Spending
Activists Lobby in Concord for State Senators and House Representatives to Take Back Democracy and Overturn Citizens United Decision
New Hampshire
WHAT: At a lobby day this Wednesday, activists will meet with New Hampshire state senators and House representatives and urge them to support a constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United v. Federal Election Commissiondecision.
The constitutional amendment would curb unlimited campaign spending by corporations and the wealthy who now try to influence elections by outspending the average voter.
The lobby day coincides with a vote Wednesday in the House Administration Committee on H.B. 371, which requires hearings to assess the consequences of Citizens United and calls on New Hampshire's congressional delegation to support an amendment. A committee vote on S.B. 136, the companion bill, is not yet scheduled.
Sixteen states have supported an amendment; New Hampshire could become the 17th state to call for it.
The U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision allowed large sums of money from wealthy and unknown donors and corporations to flood elections. Last week, nearly 100 people came to Concord for Senate and House hearings focused on overturning this decision.
"There has been significant bipartisan support surrounding this bill. Democracy cannot be purchased, and this is a chance to change the role money has played in politics in New Hampshire," said Jonah Minkoff-Zern, co-director of Public Citizen's Democracy Is For People campaign. "Outside money speaks, and it is manipulating elections in a way that makes it nearly impossible for the average voter to be heard."
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4
WHERE: Hall of Flags (first floor), New Hampshire Statehouse, 107 North Main St., Concord
WHO: Concerned New Hampshire citizens
Jonah Minkoff-Zern, co-director, Public Citizen's Democracy Is For People campaign
Scott Foval, regional political coordinator, People For the American Way
Ellen Read, organizer, Coalition for Open Democracy
Others
Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest in the halls of power. We defend democracy, resist corporate power and work to ensure that government works for the people - not for big corporations. Founded in 1971, we now have 500,000 members and supporters throughout the country.
(202) 588-1000LATEST NEWS
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