Anti-Corruption, Campaign Finance Overhaul Bills Preview Likely 2020 Campaign Theme

Even as House Democrats have made a political overhaul a top priority, numerous lawmakers, including freshman members, have filed their own campaign finance and anti-corruption bills, a sign the topic will dominate into the 2020 campaigns.... Rep. John Sarbanes, the Maryland Democrat who is the chief sponsor of House Democrats' overhaul, said the stand-alone bills, some of which are also included in the HR 1 package, allow individual members to highlight specific proposals as well as offer some pieces a chance for bipartisan support. "They know the kind of things that resonate and wanted to take a leadership role in showcasing these individual components," Sarbanes said. "I think it's all part of a strategy of bringing attention to these important democracy reforms." The freshman Democrats, in particular, Sarbanes said, made these issues a centerpiece of their campaigns. "They've got a very clear directive from their constituents," he said. "I credit the freshman class, the new members, with keeping the focus on this reform package and bringing the energy to bear so that Washington doesn't slide back into business as usual."