This is a letter that we received from Common Cause and our response.
Several weeks ago, our coalition sent your campaign some information in the mail regarding our Voter's First Pledge. I am writing to follow up and make sure that hopefully you received this information.
Regardless, I would appreciate being in contact with the campaign manager or political director.
The pledge itself is simple. It states that, if elected, you will support legislation which will:
- Provide public funding for all candidates who agree to take no private contributions.
- Place restrictions on gifts and travel from lobbyists and other powerful interests for members of Congress.
- Require full disclosure on the internet of all lobbyists' contributions.
As you will see from the research in the packet, the voters are eager to support candidates who will tackle these issues. We really hope that Mr. Sundwall will sign the pledge and fax it back to us as soon as possible.
Thanks so much!
Dear Peter Lambert-Cole,
Here is a response to your 'pledge'.
Public v Private Campaign funding:
I do not believe the problem of our Democracy is based on the matter of public or private contributions.
The two party system is the problem. Once the perception is established that only two parties can reasonably attain
power, all money flows from that fact. I am opposed to taxation which would support ANY candidate.
Gift Restrictions:
If elected our office would accept no gifts, period. We would answer the phones, read the bills and vote 'no' on most legislation. My powerful interest is the over burdened taxpayer. If we continue to burden future generations with debt based on wars and welfare our future is indeed bleak. The glitter and baubles of most politicians have little interest to someone who is accustom to self reliance and independence.
Full Disclosure
I can fully disclose that we have not received a dime from any PAC or lobbyist. That will continue to be the case if we make it past the burdensome petition process which haunts all third party and independent candidates. We have until August 22nd to beg over 3500 fellow citizens for the 'right' to be on the ballot. Given the default partisan makeup of most voters conditioned to the Red & Blue machines, we hold out a slim hope that anybody will even regard us in the general election.
Please note that we will not sign your pledge based on the previous answers. Please do something to address the real problems of the Democracy. Ballot access is our number one concern.
Sincerely
Eric Sundwall
Libertarian Candidate, NY's 20th Congressional District