Lois Herr, the Democratic candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District, has signed a nationwide pledge to "Fight Washington Corruption." The pledge was drafted by tens of thousands of citizens nationwide under the sponsorship of MoveOn.org.
"This pledge includes exactly the kinds of reforms that are needed to free our democracy from the pernicious effects of corruption in campaign financing", said Herr. She pointed to elements of the pledge including a Constitutional amendment to protect America from unlimited corporate spending in elections, and calling for public financing for candidates who are supported by small donors.
Herr noted that she is on record for Congress regulating indirect campaign contributions from corporations and encouraging candidates to meet voluntary spending limits. She is also on record as being opposed to any increase in the amounts individuals are permitted to contribute to campaigns.
Citing the existing "revolving door" in Washington between government service and corporate lobbying, Herr supported imposing a five-year waiting period for crossing from government service to corporate lobbying. "Until we can close that revolving door," said Herr, "we'll continue to see the public interest trampled by the desire of big corporations to maximize profits."