If you want to consider being a one-issue voter, this isn't a bad pick

[Craig234]

Never vote Republican, period for the foreseeable future. Not one Republican voted for the DISCLOSE Act this week, blocking it for about the 10th time in 12 years. The bill would require disclose of large dark money donors in this era of corruption, helping show who is influencing politicians. Its sponsor, Sen. Whitehouse, said "Unfortunately, the Republican party has become as dependent on dark money as a deep-sea diver is on his air hose".

If you want the American people to have any power in the country, then an environment where we have record inequality, and very rich interests give billions to buy Republican politicians and get them in office, including to destroy the constitution in the Supreme Court, including just one man giving $1.6 billion for it recently, all in secret from voters, prevents that. There's not a lot else needed to understand in our political situation than this. No one can defend voting Republican IMO.

 

[Helix]

It sucks to only have one other viable choice, but that's the way it is.

 

[Chillfolks]

There is no good reason to vote for the Republican Party and even fewer to vote Democratic Party

 

[JasperL]

I'm old enough to remember when the GOP position was 'Unlimited but disclosed." They got the unlimited, effectively, and now I cannot tell you how shocked I am that they are reneging on the 'disclosed' part!! Here is my shocked face:

But by all means the GOP need to tell us how dedicated they are to the 'common man' as they protect the right of the plutocrats to buy influence in secret! Love that!

 

[Port & Starboard]

Never vote Republican, period for the foreseeable future. Not one Republican voted for the DISCLOSE Act this week, blocking it for about the 10th time in 12 years. The bill would require disclose of large dark money donors in this era of corruption, helping show who is influencing politicians. Its sponsor, Sen. Whitehouse, said "Unfortunately, the Republican party has become as dependent on dark money as a deep-sea diver is on his air hose".

If you want the American people to have any power in the country, then an environment where we have record inequality, and very rich interests give billions to buy Republican politicians and get them in office, including to destroy the constitution in the Supreme Court, including just one man giving $1.6 billion for it recently, all in secret from voters, prevents that. There's not a lot else needed to understand in our political situation than this. No one can defend voting Republican IMO.

Meanwhile Democrats keep taking dark money themselves.

Democrats Decried Dark Money. Then They Won With It in 2020. (Published 2022)

A New York Times analysis reveals how the left outdid the right at raising and spending millions from undisclosed donors to defeat Donald Trump and win power in Washington.

www.nytimes.com

Dems’ love-hate relationship with ‘dark money’ is ready to be put to a test

It’s a fundraising tactic politicians decry but have benefitted from to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars over the past decade: so-called “dark money” from secret donors.

www.washingtontimes.com

 

[Port & Starboard]

Mark Kelly (D) loves dark money.

Dark money critic Mark Kelly receives huge boost from dark money-fueled group in AZ Senate race

Mark Kelly, an opponent of dark money in politics, is now receiving backing from a dark money-fueled committee that works to get Latino voters to the polls in battleground states.

www.yahoo.com

 

[Buckeyes85]

In Ohio, definitely not voting republican for house or senate; or state house and senate. I would have voted for Dewine for governor had he not signed our draconian abortion statute into law. But hsi democratic opponent Nan Whaley has -0- chance of winning. And I'm not too unhappy about that. She is the mayor of Dayton, one of the smaller of Ohio's "big" cities. Small enough that mayor is a part time job. And that's probably not good enough if you want to be governor of one of the greatest states in the union

 

[Peacenik]

The American Anti-Corruption Act would end legalized corruption.

The American Anti-Corruption Act makes it illegal to purchase political influence and puts power back in the hands of the people.​

The American Anti-Corruption Act is model policy that sets a framework for city, state and federal laws to fix our broken political system. It fundamentally reshapes the rules of American politics and restores the people as the most important stakeholders in our political system. An Anti-Corruption Act has three primary goals:

• Stop political bribery so special interests can’t use job offers and donations to influence politicians.
• End secret money so people know who’s buying political power.
• Fix our broken elections so the people, not the political establishment, are the ones in control.

Unfortunately, in America, corruption is legal. And it won't be easy to make it illegal because the people who would have to vote on that are all in on the take.
It's a seemingly impossible situation, but it is actually possible to make corruption illegal. We begin at the local level by electing city and county commissioners who are anti-corruption. Put 'em on the spot. Ask them if they are in favor of corruption or against it. If they say they are against it (And what candidate would not?) then ask them to pass the American Anti-Corruption Act in your city or county. Once we get the new law in enough places we can begin to send American Anti-Corruption Act candidates to the state level and get it passed in states. Once we have the American Anti-Corruption Act passed in enough states, and we send enough American Anti-Corruption Act candidates to the federal congress, we can get it passed nationally. By the way, you'll notice this post is completely non-partisan. That's because this is something that Democrats and Republicans can all support. After all, who's in favor of corruption?



This is the same method that got women the right to vote. Yes. Delayed gratification. It works, and it's worth it.

 

[JasperL]

Meanwhile Democrats keep taking dark money themselves.

Democrats Decried Dark Money. Then They Won With It in 2020. (Published 2022)

A New York Times analysis reveals how the left outdid the right at raising and spending millions from undisclosed donors to defeat Donald Trump and win power in Washington.

www.nytimes.com

Dems’ love-hate relationship with ‘dark money’ is ready to be put to a test

It’s a fundraising tactic politicians decry but have benefitted from to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars over the past decade: so-called “dark money” from secret donors.

www.washingtontimes.com

Surely you understand the difference between taking advantage of the rules, as they are, and wanting to change those rules. Those are not incompatible beliefs.

Just for example, I know Rick Barnes (UT basketball coach) disagrees with several NCAA rules, wants them changed. He doesn't hobble the team, however, by forcing the team to play by different rules, while his opponents take advantage of those same rule.

 

[Peacenik]

There is no good reason to vote for the Republican Party and even fewer to vote Democratic Party

Well ya gotta pick one if ya wanna get anything done.

 

[Craig234]

In Ohio, definitely not voting republican for house or senate; or state house and senate. I would have voted for Dewine for governor had he not signed our draconian abortion statute into law. But hsi democratic opponent Nan Whaley has -0- chance of winning. And I'm not too unhappy about that. She is the mayor of Dayton, one of the smaller of Ohio's "big" cities. Small enough that mayor is a part time job. And that's probably not good enough if you want to be governor of one of the greatest states in the union

It's natural to want to be able to 'vote for the best person', and not by party, but the fact is that party almost always outweighs the individual candidates now. The fact of how a candidate increases their party having control is usually more important than any benefit to that candidate over their opponent. As much as we might not want to, we need to understand elections are about party power now.

I know nothing about the mayor of Dayton but what you just said.

But I will say that while 'experience' can be beneficial - and even very important - it's dwarfed by the simple question of who the politician serves. A totally inexperienced politician who will serve the people will be better than a 20 year experiences politician who serves wealthy interests against the people. They get all the help they need in the position.

The fact that the country continued to operate under totally inexperienced, criminal traitor trump, with his terrible cabinet, proves this without any question. Voters need to get over voting based on 'who do they like, who makes them feel warm and fuzzy when they talk' when it comes to picking which party. They can do that in the primary.

I think there were a thousand other reasons to vote against Dewine involving the broader issue of Republican power, all kinds of policies that would happen because of his party, rather than just one bill you disagreed with.

 

[Craig234]

Unfortunately, in America, corruption is legal. And it won't be easy to make it illegal because the people who would have to vote on that are all in on the take.

NOT all of them. Elizabeth Warren and Progressive Chair Rep. Jayapal introduced this. In 2021 the version titled the "For The People Act", HR 1, was passed by House Democrats without a single Republican vote, then killed by Republicans in the Senate. We need to point out the party's roles, not hide them by wrongly saying 'all politicians' are doing the same thing.

 

[Peacenik]

NOT all of them. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Jayapal introduced this. In 2021 the version titled the "For The People Act", HR 1, was passed by House Democrats without a single Republican vote, then killed by Republicans in the Senate. We need to point out the party's roles, not hide them by wrongly saying 'all politicians' are doing the same thing.

True dat. Should have said 'mostly,' not all. Thanks for the correction.

The American Anti-Corruption Act will work. Do you agree? Do you see how it works? It really can't fail. Just as women got the right to vote, it has to begin locally, then spread, and only after it has spread far and wide can it be done nationally. And it can be done. That's the most important part. People need to read the plan, understand it, get the vision, realize this is the way to fix the problem, get on board, and make it happen.

 

[Craig234]

True dat. Should have said 'mostly,' not all. Thanks for the correction.

Thanks. While fighting the corruption is most important, fighting the cynicism of people equating all politicians and just 'hating politics' is almost as important. If they don't care which is which and support the good ones, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy as they get the bad ones.

 

[Integrityrespec]

Never vote Republican, period for the foreseeable future. Not one Republican voted for the DISCLOSE Act this week, blocking it for about the 10th time in 12 years. The bill would require disclose of large dark money donors in this era of corruption, helping show who is influencing politicians. Its sponsor, Sen. Whitehouse, said "Unfortunately, the Republican party has become as dependent on dark money as a deep-sea diver is on his air hose".

If you want the American people to have any power in the country, then an environment where we have record inequality, and very rich interests give billions to buy Republican politicians and get them in office, including to destroy the constitution in the Supreme Court, including just one man giving $1.6 billion for it recently, all in secret from voters, prevents that. There's not a lot else needed to understand in our political situation than this. No one can defend voting Republican IMO.

Well when the ACLU opposes a bill like this there must be a problem with it.
The ACLU sent a letter to the Senate advocating against passage of the bill as it would, according to them:
"this legislation would
fail to improve the integrity of our campaigns in any substantial way while
significantly harming the speech and associational rights of Americans. We
urge you to oppose cloture when it comes up early next week and to vote
‘NO’ on S. 3628 if cloture is invoked."

"The election of public officials is an essential aspect of a free society, and
campaigns for public office raise a wide range of sometimes competing civil
liberties concerns. Any regulation of the electoral and campaign process
must be fair and evenhanded, understandable, and not unduly burdensome.
It must assure integrity and inclusivity, encourage participation, and protect
privacy and rights of association while allowing for robust, full, and free
discussion and debate by and about candidates and issues of the day".

So there is opposition to the bill from those other than the republican party.

ACLU Letter to the Senate Urging a 'No' Vote on the DISCLOSE Act | American Civil Liberties Union

www.aclu.org

 

[justabubba]

Never vote Republican, period for the foreseeable future. Not one Republican voted for the DISCLOSE Act this week, blocking it for about the 10th time in 12 years. The bill would require disclose of large dark money donors in this era of corruption, helping show who is influencing politicians. Its sponsor, Sen. Whitehouse, said "Unfortunately, the Republican party has become as dependent on dark money as a deep-sea diver is on his air hose".

If you want the American people to have any power in the country, then an environment where we have record inequality, and very rich interests give billions to buy Republican politicians and get them in office, including to destroy the constitution in the Supreme Court, including just one man giving $1.6 billion for it recently, all in secret from voters, prevents that. There's not a lot else needed to understand in our political situation than this. No one can defend voting Republican IMO.

Until this bill passes we will continue to have the best government money can buy !!!

 

[Integrityrespec]

ACLU Letter to the Senate Urging a 'No' Vote on the DISCLOSE Act | American Civil Liberties Union

www.aclu.org

 

[You're not Capgras!]

Mark Kelly (D) loves dark money.

Dark money critic Mark Kelly receives huge boost from dark money-fueled group in AZ Senate race

Mark Kelly, an opponent of dark money in politics, is now receiving backing from a dark money-fueled committee that works to get Latino voters to the polls in battleground states.

www.yahoo.com

If you're opponents are taking in piles of campaign cash, wouldn't you like a shot at some of it too?

 

[washunut]

Never vote Republican, period for the foreseeable future. Not one Republican voted for the DISCLOSE Act this week, blocking it for about the 10th time in 12 years. The bill would require disclose of large dark money donors in this era of corruption, helping show who is influencing politicians. Its sponsor, Sen. Whitehouse, said "Unfortunately, the Republican party has become as dependent on dark money as a deep-sea diver is on his air hose".

If you want the American people to have any power in the country, then an environment where we have record inequality, and very rich interests give billions to buy Republican politicians and get them in office, including to destroy the constitution in the Supreme Court, including just one man giving $1.6 billion for it recently, all in secret from voters, prevents that. There's not a lot else needed to understand in our political situation than this. No one can defend voting Republican IMO.

My sense is there is a difference when voting to distinguish between local and federal. The House and Senate have become in essence a sort of parliamentary vote with most being totally partisan. So no thinking involved to how they will vote. Dont really think that applies to me town (I could be wrong of course).

It seems that id this bill's only feature was this one issue we could agree. That being said my sense is that there are other provisions you have not pointed out that were the game changers for republicans. Have not studied the details of this bill and why it was totally rejected by one side.

As to where the money comes from in politics is much more complicated than the statement above. Many (certainly not all) of today's billionaires are tech and private equity folks who are heavy fund raisers and spenders for the democratic party. Think of Gates and Buffett for example.

Just look back at the latest "inflation reduction act". Passed solely by democrats. They refused to add the Carried Interest tax break for private equity billionaires,why?

 

[noonereal]

There is no good reason to vote for the Republican Party and even fewer to vote Democratic Party

Agree. However, until TRump is gone and his influence flushed from the GOP we have a moral, ethical and patriotic duty to vote democratic.

 

[KLATTU]

Never vote Republican, period for the foreseeable future. Not one Republican voted for the DISCLOSE Act this week, b

the Disclose Act. I'm sure that will be a game changer in the next election!!!! LAFFRIOT.
Nobody gives a shit where *THEIR* party gets their money from.

 

[Peacenik]

Well when the ACLU opposes a bill like this there must be a problem with it.
The ACLU sent a letter to the Senate advocating against passage of the bill as it would, according to them:
"this legislation would
fail to improve the integrity of our campaigns in any substantial way while
significantly harming the speech and associational rights of Americans. We
urge you to oppose cloture when it comes up early next week and to vote
‘NO’ on S. 3628 if cloture is invoked."

"The election of public officials is an essential aspect of a free society, and
campaigns for public office raise a wide range of sometimes competing civil
liberties concerns. Any regulation of the electoral and campaign process
must be fair and evenhanded, understandable, and not unduly burdensome.
It must assure integrity and inclusivity, encourage participation, and protect
privacy and rights of association while allowing for robust, full, and free
discussion and debate by and about candidates and issues of the day".

So there is opposition to the bill from those other than the republican party.

ACLU Letter to the Senate Urging a 'No' Vote on the DISCLOSE Act | American Civil Liberties Union

www.aclu.org

What is the Republican plan to get big money corruption out of government?

 

[Craig234]

What is the Republican plan to get big money corruption out of government?

It's like asking what burglars' plan to protect private property is.

 

[Craig234]

If you're opponents are taking in piles of campaign cash, wouldn't you like a shot at some of it too?

No, I want them to be denied the cash, or to at least have it disclosed.

 

[Buckeyes85]

It's natural to want to be able to 'vote for the best person', and not by party, but the fact is that party almost always outweighs the individual candidates now. The fact of how a candidate increases their party having control is usually more important than any benefit to that candidate over their opponent. As much as we might not want to, we need to understand elections are about party power now.

I know nothing about the mayor of Dayton but what you just said.

But I will say that while 'experience' can be beneficial - and even very important - it's dwarfed by the simple question of who the politician serves. A totally inexperienced politician who will serve the people will be better than a 20 year experiences politician who serves wealthy interests against the people. They get all the help they need in the position.

The fact that the country continued to operate under totally inexperienced, criminal traitor trump, with his terrible cabinet, proves this without any question. Voters need to get over voting based on 'who do they like, who makes them feel warm and fuzzy when they talk' when it comes to picking which party. They can do that in the primary.

I think there were a thousand other reasons to vote against Dewine involving the broader issue of Republican power, all kinds of policies that would happen because of his party, rather than just one bill you disagreed with.

Valid points but I do give Dewine credit for quite a few things he has done positively in the state.

As for Whaley, by all accounts she does seem to be good at her job, and of course is not part of the Republican mob given that she's a Democrat. But again, she has no chance of winning.

Frankly the biggest electoral issue with our state is how horribly the state congressional seats are jerry rigged by the republicans. It insures a veto proof majority in both our state house and state senate, which is how our ridiculous abortion law got passed in the first place.

So jerry rigged that we passed a state amendment a few years back to provide proportional representation, presumably preventing jerry rigging by either party. Problem is, the republican majority got to "redraw" the map, which turned out to be worse than before. State Supreme court struck it down; sent them back to re map- and 4 subsequent maps also struck down. Republicans successfully ran out the clock and a republican majority federal court of appeals ruled we are stuck using the map for this election process that the pubbies put in place before the constitutional amendment. Truly pathetic.

Sorry for long post- probably more Ohio history than you needed to know