What's Next...

Being a strong voice on lobbying and corruption

Americans just weathered a midterm election that was the most expensive, possibly ugliest election in history.

The flow of money highlighted what is broken with our political system. Unity08’s founders believe that ending corruption in Washington is central to restoring politics with clear purpose. So Unity08, with your help, will raise its voice ever louder on this issue because all Americans deserve better.

Here is why every American should be concerned about lobbying and corruption:

  • Most incumbent campaign money comes from D.C. lobbyists, not the incumbent’s congressional-district constituents. Therefore the lobbyists get access to the member of Congress, not the constituents.
  • The number of lobbyists in Washington has doubled in just six years.
  • The number of appropriations “earmarked” as special favors has gone from 150 a year under President Reagan to 6300 last year under President Bush.
  • Those earmarked favors are generally paybacks to the lobbyists.
  • Members pressure lobbyists to hire former staffers who turn around and lobby for favors in return.
  • The spouses and children of Members are hired by lobbying firms.
  • Members retire to high-paying lobbying jobs.
  • Members spend more time raising money than reading the laws they vote on – money that deters quality opponents from running.
  • Members also perpetually gerrymander their districts, re-shaping them for advantage in future elections.
  • Often the only real danger to incumbents is a primary in their own party, which is why they coddle their “base” with polarizing issues.
  • Idealistic new Members come to Washington intent on changing things but within a single term the system has sucked them in and down.

Many of our elected leaders in both parties are well-meaning and honest people who cannot see the forest for the trees – cannot sense the cesspool for the cash. Only by united action from the leaders of both parties will the swamp be drained. Unity08 will call for and demand this united action from our Unity Ticket candidates in 2024.

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