Photo by Roman Romanenko
Did you know: Last year, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Alaska’s limits on out-of-state political contributions violated the First Amendment as interpreted in the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court ruling? This ruling means the wealthiest individuals, Super PACs, corporations or other special interest groups from anywhere in the nation can spend unlimited money to influence Alaska elections.
Tired of the undue influence of big money drowning out average citizens in our elections? Join us as we discuss and plan effective action to support the 28th Amendment to limit big money in politics and assert equal representation for all Americans, regardless of wealth.
Meet with Citizen Leaders from Across Alaska
American Promise is a cross-partisan nonprofit working toward passage of the 28th Amendment to enable Congress and the states to limit big money in our political system. American Promise President Jeff Clements will travel across Alaska for two weeks to discuss the dramatic growth in Super PAC spending, the increasing role of concentrated wealth in elections and government, and what we can do to ensure that all American people are equal citizens in our republic.
Jeff will join citizen leaders and partner organizations from across the state to discuss the necessity of the 28th Amendment to restore democratic power for people, and the huge achievements already being won by citizen leaders across the country.
The largest state in our nation with the most coastline, 17 of the 20 tallest U.S. mountain peaks and the country’s lowest population density, Alaska is a unique state of significance and beauty. It is also home to one of the most recent court battles over campaign finance laws as a result of the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision.
Over the past 10 years, proponents of unlimited political spending have used the Citizens United ruling to undo campaign finance laws across the nation, giving greater power to big money groups, such as Super PACs and wealthy special interests, and weakening the democratic rights of everyone else. This ruling is being used to undo long-standing state campaign finance regulations. Last year, this wave of anti-regulation hit Alaska when the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the state’s limits on out-of-state political contributions violated the First Amendment as interpreted in Citizens United—thereby enabling wealthy special interests from anywhere in the nation to spend unlimited money to influence Alaska elections.
Citizens across the nation are fed up. A pay-to-play system has overtaken our elections, and citizen leaders are committing to grassroots action to fix the system. Passing the 28th Amendment is foundational to getting big money out of politics.
So far, 19 states and more than 800 communities have passed resolutions calling on Congress to pass the 28th Amendment and send it to the states. American Promise has been growing the movement through outreach, advocacy and action. Alaskans, come learn more and help make your awe-inspiring state a leader in the fight for the 28th Amendment.
Join American Promise at these Alaska Events:
By Bill & Vicki Tracey, Rochelle, Illinois
JUNEAU, MARCH 15-18
Big Money v. The People: Alaska Campaign Finance Speaking Tour – Juneau Bar Association
When: March 15, 2019, 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Westmark Baranof Hotel
127 N Franklin St
Juneau, AK 99801
United States
Big Money v. The People: Alaska Campaign Finance Speaking Tour – Juneau League of Women Voters
When: March 16, 2019, 4 p.m.-5:45 p.m.
Where: Mendenhall Valley Public Library
3025 Diamond Park Loop
Juneau, AK 99801
United States
Big Money v. The People: Alaska Campaign Finance Speaking Tour – Juneau World Affairs Council
When: March 18, 2019, 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
Where: KTOO Studios
360 Egan Dr
Juneau, AK 99801
United States
ANCHORAGE, MARCH 19-20
Big Money v. The People: Alaska Campaign Finance Speaking Tour – University of Alaska Anchorage
When: March 19, 2019, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Where: University of Alaska Anchorage Library
3211 Providence Dr
Room 307
Anchorage, AK 99508
United States
Big Money v. The People: Alaska Campaign Finance Speaking Tour – 49th State Brewery
When: March 20, 2019, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 49th State Brewing Co
717 W 3rd Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501
United States
FAIRBANKS, MARCH 24-25
Big Money v. The People: Alaska Campaign Finance Speaking Tour – Fairbanks Unitarian Universalist Church
When: March 24, 2019, 10:30 a.m-11:30 a.m.
Where: Fairbanks Unitarian Universalist Church
4448 Pikes Landing Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99709
United States
Big Money v. The People: Alaska Campaign Finance Speaking Tour – University of Alaska Fairbanks
When: March 25, 2019, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Bunnell Building
1790 Tanana Loop
Schaible Auditorium
Fairbanks, AK 99775
United States
