Press Releases

These Seven ECU Challengers Who Reject Corporate Money Just Outraised Their Incumbent Opponents

Feb 02, 2018

As voter desire to get big money out of politics grows, an increasing number of candidates are pledging not to take any corporate PAC money

End Citizens United (ECU) today announced that seven of its endorsed candidates who are rejecting corporate special interest money have outraised their incumbent opponents, according to the latest FEC filings. Voter desire to get big money out of politics is growing and there are a growing number of candidates making reform a centerpiece of their campaigns. For many, that includes pledging not to take corporate PAC money.

CA-50
Josh Butner (D): $107,000
Duncan Hunter (R): $50,000

CO-06
Jason Crow (D): $276,000
Mike Coffman (R): $241,000

MI-08
Elissa Slotkin (D): $444,000
Mike Bishop (R): $306,000

NJ-03
Andy Kim (D): $345,000
Tom MacArthur (R): $286,000

NY-22
Anthony Brindisi (D): $306,000
Claudia Tenney (R): $211,000

PA-16
Christina Hartman (D): $197,000
Lloyd Smucker (R): $133,000

TX-Senate
Beto O’Rourke (D): $2,400,000
Ted Cruz (R): $1,900,000

In the 4th quarter of 2017 a total of 14 Democratic challengers who rejected corporate special interest money outraised their incumbent Republican opponents.

“It’s no surprise that grassroots donors are rallying to support candidates who are working for the people instead of a handful of mega-donors, corporate special interests, and secret money groups,” said Adam Bozzi, ECU communications director. “These candidates are working to improve people’s lives — not the bottom lines of for-profit corporations. Investing in real people pays off, and our members are inspired by candidates who are choosing people over politics.”

A recent study shows that Americans’ faith in the government is at an all-time low, with over 90% believing the government is working for the benefit of a few special interests. A robust reform agenda is critical to winning support from voters. A recent ECU poll found that 62% of voters believe that a candidate who refuses to accept corporate PAC money is a sign that the candidate is serious about reform. A money in politics reform platform has also been proven to help win voters, particularly independents and unaffiliated voters.

ECU is a grassroots powered organization giving a voice to millions of American families. The group is dedicated to getting Big Money out of politics so Congress focuses on all of us and not only its biggest special interest donors.

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