WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on Hillary Clinton's campaign finance reform proposal, which includes an endorsement of a constitutional amendment to restore the role of average voters in elections. Clinton's proposal also contains other critically needed changes to amplify the voices of everyday Americans and prevent super wealthy donors from trying to influence elections with secret campaign contributions. Udall is a leading voice in the Senate on campaign finance reform. Last year, his campaign finance constitutional amendment came within six votes of overcoming a filibuster in the Senate - the closest such an amendment has come to passage in recent history.
"Voters in New Mexico and all across the country have called on their elected leaders to get money out of politics and give elections back to the people. It's clearer than ever that we need true reform, including a constitutional amendment to restore integrity in our election system, and changes that ensure political groups backed by dark money donors must disclose their funding sources. Hillary Clinton's proposal to revitalize American elections is groundbreaking, and I congratulate her for taking on this issue in the presidential campaign.
"Americans are frustrated, and they're working as part of a grassroots effort demanding that Washington reform the campaign finance system. As I welcome Clinton's meaningful contributions today, I call on all of the presidential candidates from both parties to join in support of my constitutional amendment and campaign finance reforms that will ensure our government is truly of, for and by the people."
A year ago this month, Udall's constitutional amendment proposal won support from a majority of the Senate with 54 votes. Udall reintroduced the amendment this yea r on the fifth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, along with a package of other campaign finance reforms supported by numerous members of the Senate and House. The reforms also include the DISCLOSE Act , which would require all independent groups that spend money in elections to disclose their donors. The package is backed by two dozen reform groups .
