The scandal and the Common Cause plan

Our nation's capital finds itself today in the throes of scandal and controversy unmatched in decades. And with your help, Common Cause will directly address what to do about it -- but we only have three weeks.

http://www.commoncause.org/CommonCausePlan

Here is what's been happening on Capitol Hill:

• Jack Abramoff, one of this city's most powerful lobbyists, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, mail fraud, and tax evasion, becoming a highly visible symbol of a system gone haywire.
  
• House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX), indicted for conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws, voluntarily stepped down from his post as the Number Two Republican in the House.
  
• Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-CA) admitted to accepting more than $2 million in bribes in exchange for votes.

The Common Cause plan

1) Reform the Ethics Process

Create an independent ethics commission to investigate ethics allegations in Congress. For decades, the ethics process in Congress has been stymied - its Members don't impartially judge their colleagues.

2) Impose an Effective Gift and Travel Ban

Ban registered lobbyists from giving gifts to members of Congress and their staffs. Also, ban all privately-financed Congressional travel. Some official travel is important, but it should be paid for with public funds.

3) Slow the Revolving Door

Extend the moratorium on taking jobs as lobbyists for Members of Congress and senior staff from one year to two years after leaving office.

4) End the Campaign Money Chase

The Abramoff scandal can be the catalyst to reform Congressional campaigns by enacting a publicly-funded clean elections system, and to revamp and strengthen the public financing system for presidential campaigns.

5) Shine a Light on Lobbying Activities

The multi-billion-dollar lobbying industry operates almost entirely in secret. This has to change. The American public has a right to know who is lobbying their elected officials. Lobbying contacts should be reported online, so that the public can assess the impact of lobbying on public policy decisions.

Please make a generous contribution now to let Common Cause take the lead in making these changes at this critical time.

http://www.commoncause.org/CommonCausePlan

Thank you for all you do for Common Cause.

Sincerely,

Chellie Pingree
President

P.S. Over the next three weeks, Common Cause will work hard to turn the recent political rancor over ethics violations into a positive force for desperately-needed change. Congress returns at the end of the month, though, so we need your help right away. Please contribute to our campaign for change.