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Make Your Voice Heard
The Republican leadership in Columbus is making attempts to silence the political voice of Ohio’s working families. Governor Taft has called a special legislative session to pass campaign finance reform, which originated as a result of federal and state investigations into secret campaign accounts and alleged money laundering by some top Republican officials, as well as the business community’s refusal to disclose sources of money in advocacy campaigns. Unfortunately, the focus of these reforms has shifted from these wrongdoings, and instead they are trying to limit or eliminate some sources of labor political money and the activities it funds.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Campaign Finance Legislation
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
Please vote no on campaign finace reform. Unions are voluntary entities established by democratic elections, and as such my union already offers me a voice in deciding whether my dues are used for political activities.
If I disagree with my union's political activities, I can request a refund of that portion of my dues that is used for such activities. This practice has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. I don't need lawmakers in Columbus telling me how my dues should be spent.
Introduction of House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 is simply an attempt to silence my voice. How can I compete with large contributors who would be allowed to make contributions of $10,000 to campaigns? Increasing contribution limists will not discourage candidates and their contributors from violating the law or looking for more loopholes to make even larger contributions.
Let me decide what is in my best interests. Please don't pass either of these bills.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
December 13, 2004
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The Republican leadership in Columbus is making attempts to silence the political voice of Ohio’s working families. Governor Taft has called a special legislative session to pass campaign finance reform, which originated as a result of federal and state investigations into secret campaign accounts and alleged money laundering by some top Republican officials, as well as the business community’s refusal to disclose sources of money in advocacy campaigns.
Unfortunately, the focus of these reforms has shifted from these wrongdoings, and instead they are trying to limit or eliminate some sources of labor political money and the activities it funds. Specifically, they plan to eliminate the use of union dues in political advocacy, despite the fact that union members already have the choice as to whether their dues money is used for political activity or not. These efforts were ruled unconstitutional by federal and state courts in the 1990’s, but they are determined to have another try at silencing working families. Furthermore, the Republican leadership plans to make loopholes allowing corporations to fund campaigns even larger by quadrupling – not limiting – the amount of money individuals and PACs can give to candidates.
This is not real campaign finance reform. This is merely another attempt to give even more political advantages to the wealthy and business community. Our action is required now, to tell our representatives in Columbus that this legislation is a fraud, and that it will not make the political process in Ohio more fair. It will do the opposite.
Please take action today by sending a message to Governor Taft, your State Representatives, and your State Senators, telling them not to pass Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1.
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