Friend,

When New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu recently rejected four political reform measures, he also rejected the voice of We the People. Thousands of New Hampshire citizens worked for years to advance those measures, including a resolution in support of the 28th Amendment, making the governor’s dismissal another example of how some political leaders protect the interests of special interests who buy undue influence in our elections and, in turn, influence the policies that shape our lives.

The New Hampshire resolution in support of the 28th Amendment stands, despite the governor’s symbolic veto. But his action speaks volumes. This battle is nothing less than a fight for the heart of our nation. 

Here is what is at stake: A future where all citizens have a voice in our democracy, or one where the wishes of the wealthiest among us dominate. American Promise citizen leaders across the country are standing up for the rights of all citizens to have a say in our democracy, not just the wealthiest among us. 

Our movement is winning, but as the governor’s veto demonstrates, victory won’t be easy. We need every American on board to save our democracy. The time for bold action and systemic reform is now. 

From The New York Times: New research from two political scientists shows that when presented with public opinion survey data, an overwhelming majority of state legislators were uninterested in learning about their constituents’ views. In addition, when legislators who viewed the data were surveyed afterward, they were no better at understanding what their constituents wanted than legislators who had not looked at the data. “For most politicians, voters’ views seemed almost irrelevant,” the researchers say. Read more.

From Now This: In his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, Montana Governor Steve Bullock says he’ll take his stance against dark money in politics to the national level. In Montana, Bullock signed an executive order that requires state contractors to disclose election spending. “And that’s what I would do as president on the first day,” he says. “The U.S. government contracts with dang near every corporation in America. That sunshine and that transparency, it ought to dry up quite a bit of the dark money spending that we have right now.” Read more.

From the Fulcrum: In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Washington ruled that taxpayer-funded political donation vouchers in Seattle can continue because they don’t restrict voters’ free speech rights. The ruling is a potential milestone as it upholds the first public campaign financing program of its kind in the nation. At least seven other cities and counties across the country have created similar voucher systems since Seattle established its program four years ago. Read more. 

From 48 Hills: During a recent hearing, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rules Committee heard discussion of a measure that will be on the November ballot. The measure aims to reduce the influence of dark money in local politics by requiring political committees to reveal the source of their donations. The measure also would limit the “pay-to-play” politics of real-estate development by banning any individual with any significant interest in a land-use decision from contributing to any local official until 12 months after the city has completed its review of the project. Read more.

August 3, Dublin, NH: Join American Promise and other democracy reform organizations for the Granny D Memorial Walk from Dublin to Peterborough, followed by a rally and lunch at Depot Square in Peterborough. This celebration honors the work of legendary New Hampshire activist Doris “Granny D” Haddock, who famously walked across the nation to protest big money in politics. Learn more.