Friend,

As the 2020 election generates news bites and headlines, and political ads fill the airwaves, many Americans already are tuning out, with months to go before the campaign finish line. They do so for various reasons—they may feel their vote doesn’t count, their choices are limited, their views go unacknowledged—as they see little opportunity to have a say in our current dysfunctional political system dominated by wealthy campaign contributors.

They aren’t alone in their concerns about the outsize influence that big-money donors wield over our elected leaders—some of whom feel the same. As an example, this week’s newsletter features former Senate candidate and author Neal Simon, who turned his lessons from and frustrations with the campaign system into inspiration for 10 democracy reform proposals he outlines in his new book. 

Similarly, citizen leaders across the country are seizing opportunities to find the good in their frustration by speaking up for and making strides toward real change to end the dysfunction and revive our political system. As they advance an amendment that would allow for reasonable limits on campaign spending, they also restore the promise of democracy and the power of our vote. 

From The Fulcrum: Spending on campaign advertising in the 2020 election is expected to shatter records, with the latest projections estimating $6.9 billion by Election Day. The study notes the influence of two billionaire candidates and the “highly partisan political environment” that is “driving more Americans to donate money to their preferred candidates.” Read more.

From the Center for Responsive Politics: Grassroots political groups say PAC regulations provide an advantage to business-affiliated PACs because corporations can cover their expenses—although they cannot contribute directly to traditional PACs, candidates, or parties. These business-affiliated PACs have already contributed $179 million to federal candidates and party committees this election cycle—nearly 75% of total PAC giving. Read more.

From CNN: In this Q&A, CNN political writer Fredreka Schouten discusses how billionaires are shaking up the 2020 presidential race for both political parties. She explains that federal candidates don’t face any restrictions on how much of their own money they can spend on their campaign, although donations to other campaigns do have limits. Read more.

From Mass Live: Campaign finance has emerged as a key issue for two Massachusetts Democrats bidding for a U.S. Senate seat. and U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy has repeated his request for Sen. Ed Markey to sign a pledge to limit outside spending in the race, as the senator did in years past. But Markey’s campaign manager says he will not agree to that again. Read more.

From USA Today: An analysis of campaign donors in 20 geographically diverse, large cities finds three candidates at the top: Pete Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. The 20 selected cities represent population centers in most of the states and can heavily influence the electoral outcome, although the article notes that “individual donors may have less to say in this presidential election than ever before.” Read more.

February 24, Cheyenne, WY: This Wyoming Promise event aims to keep the 28th Amendment top of mind for state legislators. Join leaders of the statewide organization for an update on the movement during Coffee and Cake at the Wyoming Capitol from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Learn more.

March 5, Salem, MA: Author and award-winning scholar Nancy MacLean will discuss her new book, “Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America,” which has been called “perhaps the best explanation to date of the roots of the political divide that threatens to irrevocably alter American government.” Nancy was a speaker at the 2019 National Citizen Leadership Conference. 7 p.m.-8 p.m., Veterans Hall, Ellison Campus Center, Salem State University. Learn more.

March 6, Concord, MA: Author and award-winning scholar Nancy MacLean will discuss her new book, “Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America,” which has been called “perhaps the best explanation to date of the roots of the political divide that threatens to irrevocably alter American government.” Nancy was a speaker at the 2019 National Citizen Leadership Conference. 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., First Parish Church. Learn more.

March 11, St. Paul, MN: Join Minnesotans advocating for their state to become the 21st calling for a constitutional amendment to get big money out of politics. During Citizen Lobby Day, citizen leaders will provide training for in-person meetings with legislators at the Minnesota Capitol. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Minnesota Judicial Center. Learn more.