Last night was an exciting night in American politics for myriad reasons. For one, the longest presidential campaign in recent memory is finally over. And second, we now have more supporters in favor of Fair Elections than ever before--at minimum, nearly 120 members of Congress.

 

The organizers of the Voters First Pledge released a statement today highlighting the importance of  making public financing a priority when the 111th Congress and a new administration takes over in January:

 

 "From strengthening the economy to fixing the country's ailing healthcare system, a new Congress and administration face steep challenges. Let's be honest: One obstacle they face is a mountain of campaign cash spent by wealthy interests to elect them. If we are to see change in how Washington operates, we must see change in the way that elections are paid for.

"In the 111th Congress, more than 120 members, including leadership in both chambers, have committed to changing our pay-to-play system and making passing Fair Elections a priority. We look forward to working with the new members of Congress and the administration to increase support in Congress and move Fair Elections forward. Only by freeing our elected officials from the constant pressures of fundraising can we ensure that Washington works for us, not big money donors.

"While we lose one of our cosponsors of Fair Elections in the Senate, we have gained a strong advocate for Fair Elections in the White House in President-Elect Barack Obama."

 

We'll add a few new members of Congress who signed on to the Voters First pledge and we'll even add a member of Congress who ran under Clean Elections in her state legislature. Click here to see the full list of congressional supporters.