Collins has taken the most corporate PAC money in Maine history; voted against the DISCLOSE Act, legislation that would shine a light on dark money
Gideon rejects corporate PAC money, introduced anti-corruption plan as first major policy proposal
After spending two decades in Washington and voting against major transparency legislation, Senator Susan Collins is attempting to flip the script about money in politics. In her latest ad, Collins conveniently decries the influence of dark money and corporate special interests while failing to disclose the fact that she helped create the rigged system and benefits from it.
“Senator Collins’ hypocrisy on money in politics is remarkable,” said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. “She can make misleading ads, but she can’t hide behind her disastrous record. The truth is Senator Collins has been an unwavering ally to Mitch McConnell in their quest to give wealthy political donors and corporations unfettered access and influence in government. Whether it’s her vote against the DISCLOSE Act or her refusal to support the For The People Act, Senator Collins has helped create and fortify this rigged system.”
Senator Collins has worked to maintain the undue influence of corporations and unlimited, undisclosed money in politics. In 2014, Collins voted to block a constitutional amendment that would overturn Citizens United. Collins has also repeatedly voted against anti-corruption and transparency bills, like the DISCLOSE Act, which would require dark money groups to disclose their donors and political spending when engaged in political activity.
Senator Collins has refused to co-sponsor 2019 DISCLOSE Act. The bill, introduced by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, requires organizations that spend money to influence elections – including super PACs and dark money groups – to disclose the identities of donors who have given them $10,000 or more during an election cycle. It would also require an organization that spends $10,000 or more on political ads to file a disclosure report with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) within 24 hours of purchasing the ads. In 2010, Collins was the deciding vote against the DISCLOSE Act to put an end to undisclosed spending in elections. She stood with McConnell to kill the bill, which had 59 votes, and needed 60 to pass.
ECU endorsed Sara Gideon in July 2019 because of her commitment to reform and making Washington work for Mainers. Gideon, who rejects donations from corporate PACs, is running a grassroots campaign powered by small-dollar donors. In her first major policy announcement, Gideon unveiled a bold and comprehensive agenda to rein in the influence of special interests and crack down on corruption in Washington.
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