LWVUS Press Release about DISCLOSE

Washington, DC – The League of Women Voters of the U.S. issued the following statement by national League President Elisabeth MacNamara on the obstructionism that prevented the Senate from beginning debate on the DISCLOSE Act today. The DISCLOSE Act aims to restore transparency to U.S. elections after the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision.

“Voters lost and special interests won today.  It is sad to see Senators cling to partisanship and obstructionism once again, instead of working together to find a middle ground on the DISCLOSE Act. This is a failure for which voters will have to pay this November and in elections to come.  We were particularly disappointed that Senators Brown, Snowe and Collins, each of whom understands the importance of reform and of fair elections, chose not to stand up for their beliefs.

“In the wake of Citizens United, the DISCLOSE Act is essential. It requires CEOs to stand by their ads, and exposes special interest groups behind last-minute attacks. It stops manipulation of elections by fly-by-night hit groups, and prevents U.S. corporations controlled by foreign – or even hostile – governments from pumping secret money into our elections.

“How can individual voters compete with organizations that not only have vested interests in Washington, but millions of dollars to make sure those interests are protected?

“The bottom line is that voters deserve to know who is paying for election advertising. This is not only common sense – it is crucial if voters are to remain the cornerstone of our democracy.

“We would like to know what these opponents have to fear from disclosure of election advertising. Furthermore, what is to prevent them from falling victim to the deceitful advertising which they are refusing to bring into the sunlight?

“The League will continue to fight for enhanced disclosure.  Our democracy belongs to the voters — not special interests.”