Description

"Common Cause is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization founded in 1970 by John Gardner as a vehicle for citizens to make their voices heard in the political process and to hold their elected leaders accountable to the public interest. " Common Cause seeks by sustained and focused lobbying campaigns, grassroots activities, and other efforts: To strengthen public participation and public faith in our institutions of self-government: To ensure that government and the political process serve the general interest, rather than special interest: To curb the excessive influence of money on government decisions and elections: To promote fair and honest elections and high ethical standards for government officials: and to protect the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans." The following ratings are based on lifetime voting records and a questionnaire sent to all candidates in that year; the organization then assigned letter grades ranging from a high of A+ to a low of F.