Corporate Donations Are New Test for Democratic Candidates
When an audience member at a town hall asked California Sen. Kamala Harris earlier this year to reject corporate donations, her answer was decidedly non-committal. “Well, that depends,” she said.
“Wrong answer,” the questioner responded, shrugging his shoulders.
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“It’s a smart political move,” says Trevor Potter, a former Republican chairman of the Federal Election Commission who has criticized the Citizens United ruling. “You’re not giving up much by forswearing PAC contributions and you are able to make the political point that you are opposed to the Washington influence buying system.”
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“I just have come to the realization over time that as long as the Republicans are in charge, they’re not going to move forward with any of the significant campaign finance reform,” he said. “Maybe this is a small way, on your own, to make a difference.”