On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., currently running for the U.S. Senate, showcased his proposal to ensure members of Congress and other federal officeholders can’t personally ask individuals for donations.
Jolly highlighted his “Stop Act” which still allow elected officials to attend fundraisers and does nothing to stop citizens from donating to candidates they support.
“We can’t have a part-time Congress in a full-time world,” Jolly said on Tuesday. “Americans wonder why we haven’t defeated ISIS, secured our border, provided health care for veterans, or reduced the national debt. Here’s why. Too many in Congress are more focused on raising money than solving the problems people elected them to fix."
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. The Florida Republican pointed to an op-ed in the New York Times earlier this month from retiring U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, D-NY, the former chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), in which he says he was burnt out on making calls to supporters and asking for money.
"It's time members of Congress stop asking people for money and start doing their jobs,” Jolly said. “Let's close the integrity gap and the performance gap of our elected officials by eliminating their fundraising solicitations and put them back to work."
Jolly told the National Journal that he would still attend fundraisers but will not personally reach out to individuals as he continues his Senate bid.
“The prohibition is on direct solicitation, so I can still attend fundraisers. The issue is I can’t be involved in directly soliciting contributions or attendees,” Jolly told the National Journal. “We will have, as we do today, a professional fundraiser to make sure our campaign has the resources.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
