End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller released the below statement on news that billionaire mega-donor Peter Thiel is giving at least $10 million to a super PAC in support of his coworker and ally, Arizona U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters. The donation from Thiel, one of the biggest donors in America, underscores the need for passing the For the People Act (H.R. 1, S. 1).
“Peter Thiel is Exhibit A on why the Senate must pass the For the People Act. Americans don’t want billionaires buying our elections. It’s as simple as that. The current system, which gives a small minority of donors undue access and influence, is at the root of the dysfunction, chaos, and extreme partisanship in Washington.
“The system is rigged against ordinary Americans and the only way to balance the playing field is by passing the For the People Act.”
The For the People Act would empower small-dollar donors through a matching system that gives candidates a practical option to fund their campaigns without relying on billionaires and corporate special interests. No taxpayer dollars will ever be used to fund the program. Not only does it curb corruption, it also opens the door for a more diverse crop of candidates to run, making our democracy more representative of the people. The bill also cracks down on super PAC coordination with campaigns, bans dark money, and strengthens the FEC’s ability to enforce the law.
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