U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., currently running for the U.S. Senate, reeled in two co-sponsors for his “Stop Act” which ensure members of Congress and other federal officeholders can’t personally ask individuals for donations.
Jolly announced on Friday that fellow Florida Republican U.S. Rep. John Mica and U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-NC, one of the tea party’s and liberty movement’s favorite legislators, had signed on the bill as co-sponsors. The legislation would still allow elected officials to attend fundraisers and does nothing to stop citizens from donating to candidates they support.
“Congressmen Mica and Jones understand the anger of the American people and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them on the Stop Act,” Jolly said. “There is no legitimate reason why other colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, don’t join us in this historic effort to change Washington forever.”
“I am honored to join David Jolly as a cosponsor of the Stop Act,” Jones said. “During my years in Congress, and especially during the post-Citizens United era, I have seen too many times where policy is driven by the needs of special interests, not the people. This bill would be a good first step in reducing the influence of special interests on Capitol Hill.”
“This is just one small step and we should continue to look at other measures that bring federal campaign financing under control,” Mica said.
When he brought out the bill earlier in the week, Jolly noted that 30 states have similar laws in place and, while admitting he would have a challenge to pass his measure, it would help revive democracy.
Jolly has said that he would still attend fundraisers but will not personally reach out to individuals as he continues his bid to replace U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in the Senate. Rubio is currently running for the Republican presidential nomination and has said he will not seek a second term in the Senate. U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and businessman and Army veteran Todd Wilcox are also seeking the Republican nomination in the Senate race.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
