Galvin, whose endorsement coincides with the rollout of her ‘Beacon Bright Integrity Agenda,’ is building a people-powered campaign and rejecting corporate PAC money
Republican incumbent Rep. Don Young has taken over $3.7 million from corporate PACs over the course of his career in Congress
End Citizens United (ECU) today endorsed independent candidate Alyse Galvin for Congress in Alaska’s at-large congressional district. Galvin is running a campaign powered by small, individual donors and is highlighting her commitment to reform by rejecting corporate PAC money. Her opponent, Rep. Don Young, is currently the longest serving member of Congress and has taken over $3.7 million from corporate PACs over the course of his career.
Galvin held a press conference outside of Providence Hospital in Anchorage this morning to announce her Beacon Bright Integrity Agenda to crack down on corruption and get big money out of politics.
“Alyse Galvin will bring new, transparent leadership to Alaska,” said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. “Corporate PACs and megadonors write big checks to further entrench Rep. Don Young in Washington’s corruption, and he’s repeatedly returned the favor by putting their interests ahead of Alaskans’. On the other hand, Alyse has put forth a bold anti-corruption agenda, proving she’ll fight every day for Alaskans. End Citizens United is proud to endorse Alyse Galvin, and we look forward to helping her win.”
“I am running for Congress because Alaskans deserve leadership with the integrity and the independence to be accountable to them,” said Alyse Galvin. “The contrast between my opponent and me could not be more stark. I am not taking corporate PAC money because I want to break through the logjam that is leading to high healthcare costs and missed opportunities to diversify Alaska’s economy. When we get big money out of politics, we will get to the right solutions for the people we serve.”
Over the nearly 50 years he’s been in Congress, Rep. Don Young has become one of the body’s most notoriously corrupt members. Highlights of his record include:
-
Young appeared five times on CREW’s list of ‘Most Corrupt Members Of Congress’
-
Young has taken over $3.7 million from corporate PACs over the course of his career
-
Young has taken thousands from health care PACs and voted to strip protections for people with pre-existing conditions while opposing legislation that would lower prescription drug prices
-
The House Ethics Committee rebuked Young in 2014 for improperly accepting nearly $60,000 in hunting trips, private plane rides and other gifts and failing to report them on his financial disclosure
ECU is dedicated to getting Big Money out of politics and fixing the rigged system in Washington D.C. so government works for all Americans. The reform group has four million members nationwide, including 7,500 in Alaska, and is entirely grassroots-funded with an average donation of just $14.
# # #