Time to Put an End to the Paper Chase
Though presumably most senators (or their campaign staff) now use computers, they continue to file their campaign contribution forms on paper — preventing us from learning quickly and easily how their campaign coffers are being filled and by whom. The Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act (S. 482) would require Senate candidates to submit their campaign finance forms electronically, as House candidates already do.
The bill could finally be up for a vote this week or next. But, in spite of strong public support for the measure, Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) has taken up the mantle from (recently embarrassed) Sen. Ensign (R-Nev.) to try and kill it by attaching an irrelevant and unconstitutional amendment. Unbelievably, the Ensign/Roberts amendment would force nonprofit organizations to expose their donors when they file ethics complaints against senators. We can't imagine which senators would vote for that one, but I suppose it could be interesting to find out.
Please call your senators today and let them know the Roberts amendment is unconscionable and it's time to pass S. 482. If you have another minute, you also may want to call Sen. Majority Leader Reid's office and ask that he bring this bill to the floor for a vote: 202-224-3542.
from Angela Canterbury and Glenn Simpson