The Problems We Face & Solutions We Need

Pt. 1: The Problem

I can’t speak for every politician, but I know that for myself and my Democratic colleagues we did not get into politics to listen to moneyed interests. We ran for office to represent our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and families. But once in office, we are confronted with the creeping nature of dark money in our politics. Politicians try to pass legislation that would help countless Americans, but run into roadblocks at almost every turn, while interest groups are raising money to unseat us. That’s the dark reality of politics.

What does this mean? Why does it happen?

It means that our government is broken. When the Supreme Court decided that corporations were people, it allowed for unlimited, dark money to flow into our political system — hurting our country and our political process. Well-financed interest groups and for-profit corporations have a disproportionately loud voice while everyday people are struggling to break through the noise. It’s a problem that jeopardizes our democracy.

The Supreme Court got it wrong in 2010. And Republicans are still getting it wrong as they continuously refuse to act on measures that would mitigate the impacts of Citizens United. The reality is that there is only one party trying to right this wrong. In 2014, all of my Democratic Senate colleagues voted to reverse Citizens United while all Republicans voted “no.” And time and again in the House, my Democratic colleagues and I have introduced legislation to address this problem. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Money in politics is dangerous and we must do more to vigorously combat it.

We’ve seen what uncontrolled and unregulated money can do to our economy, too.

That’s why I’ve led on consumer financial protection measures. Wall Street must be checked so that recklessness doesn’t result in a financial meltdown again. Government is not working for you when Congress is refusing to fix tax loopholes, allowing millionaires to walk away paying a lower effective tax rate than hard-working, middle-class people in New Mexico.

Further, Republicans are ignoring you when they refuse to #RaiseTheWage, despite overwhelming evidence showing that it would lift millions out of poverty, boost our economy, and do right by millions of workers.

I believe that all of these problems stem from the uncontrolled flow of money in our politics. We must do more to make sure we lift up the voices of all Americans — not just those who have money or access to power.

I’m proud to represent the people of New Mexico and take that responsibility and privilege seriously.

I know that together we can tackle these challenges. It starts with voting — and it continues with holding those we elect accountable for their actions.