Very grateful to Paul Hogarth for the reminder: The Senate is voting on the first step in a repeal of Citizens United on Monday, and a polite, personal note is always more effective than a petition.
Especially a note which points out the political advantages in supporting a measure approved by 9 out of 10 voters.
Following is my letter to my senators. While cutting and pasting is not advised, a similar message to yours might make them pause and consider the advantages of voting yes on Joint Resolution 19.
Dear Senator:
This coming Monday, September 8, the full Senate will vote on Joint Resolution 19, the first step in the process of passing a constitutional amendment to repeal the Citizens United decision and limit corporate spending on political campaigns.
In October, 2012, Bannon Communications Research did a poll which found a stunning 89% of Americans agreeing that there is too much big money in politics. Solid majorities of Democrats, Republicans and Independents, self-declared liberals, moderates and conservatives said they supported changing the way corporations are involved in campaign financing.
It’s pretty rare when 9 out of 10 of your constituents, whoever they are, agree on something. There is absolutely no political risk and lots of political gain in voting for Joint Resolution 19. It’‘s a perfect example of doing well by doing good.
In fairness, I should warn you that there is political risk in NOT voting for the resolution. Opposing a measure supported by nearly 90% of Americans is the sort of thing that gets noticed, after all.
Thanks for listening, and looking forward to seeing your “aye” on Monday.
Yours,