End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller released the below statement after news that Congressman Jeff Fortenberry was convicted on three felony charges for lying to federal authorities about illegal campaign contributions:
“Congressman Jeff Fortenberry should immediately resign. His conviction is welcomed news, albeit a rare case of accountability. It’s why people have lost faith in the system, which is clearly broken – from loopholes in campaign finance law to toothless and ineffective enforcement mechanisms.
“While Jeff Fortenberry should resign for lying to the FBI and taking illegal campaign contributions, the Republican Party should get on board with Democrats’ efforts to pass stronger anti-corruption laws and to end dark money. Unfortunately, Republicans refuse to even close loopholes that provide the potential for foreign nationals to spend unlimited money in secret to influence our elections. Fortenberry’s conviction should be a rallying cry for every member of Congress to stand up against foreign interference in our elections. Our democracy, and Americans’ faith and trust in it, is on the line.”
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