LWVUS President MacNamara releases statement on DISCLOSE Act

LEAGUE SUPPORTS DISCLOSE ACT
Transparency in Elections Essential

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The League of Women Voters today voiced strong support for the campaign finance legislation that is expected to be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives this week.

“It is critically important for this legislation to be passed soon, so that it can take effect before the 2010 elections,” said Elisabeth MacNamara, national president of the League of Women Voters.  Negotiators in the House have been working for weeks to craft a bill that can achieve majority support, and the bill announced this week is receiving support from a host of reform groups including the League. MacNamara sent a letter on behalf of the League to Members of the House of Representatives urging their support this week.

“Disclosure of corporate and union spending in our elections is the key to allowing voters to make their decisions,” according to MacNamara.  “This bill accomplishes that fundamental purpose” she said.

The Supreme Court recently overturned decades of campaign finance law in the case of Citizens United v. FEC.  The Court gave the green light to unlimited spending by corporations to elect or defeat candidates.  But the Court’s decision made clear that disclosure of this spending could be required by Congress.

“Secret spending in elections undermines our democracy,” MacNamara said.  “This bill is part of the cure,” she said.  “The League of Women Voters calls on every member of the House of Representatives to vote for this bill,” she concluded.

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The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.