While it may be impossible to stem the tide of copious amounts of money flowing into America's political processes and election campaigning, citizens should at least have the opportunity to know the sources of money. There is a piece of proposed Congressional legislation that seems to have a chance of getting some bi-partisan support. H.R.5175, sometimes referred to as The Disclosure Act, would be a step in the right direction to bring some transparency into our campaigning. Today, I wrote the letter below to Senator Bob Corker. The Senator has been mentioned in several news stories as being one of a handful of U.S. Senate Republicans who might reach across the aisle to support significant disclosure of money sources for future election cycles. I sincerely hope he gives it serious thought.
Dear Senator Corker:
I know you to be a thoughtful, reasonable man and one who has some independence from the partisan gridlock in the Congress. As a long-time resident of Chattanooga, I saw how you worked in Nashville and later as Mayor in Chattanooga to bring people together for the common good.
I want you to give serious consideration to supporting the Senate version of H.R.5175 - known as The Disclosure Act. Clearly, there are enormous benefits of legislation to prohibit foreign influence in Federal elections, to prohibit government contractors from making expenditures with respect to such elections, and to establish additional disclosure requirements with respect to spending in campaigning. Passage of legislation similar to H.R. 5175 would signify to the voters of American that their government is worthy of their trust.
As a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 26, I plan to make the issues related to open, honest and transparent government central to my campaign. I know that this is an issue that resonates with Tennessee voters. If elected, your residence in North Chattanooga would actually be in District 26. I hope I have the opportunity to serve you as you are currently doing for me in Washington DC.
Best wishes to you,
Lawrence G. Miller, PhD