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Some solutions have already been proposed and, in Lessig’s eyes, could be realistic if taken seriously by more legislators: There’s Rubens’s proposal to implement a “small-dollar voucher” system to fund elections, and another proposal by Democratic U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes to create a “Freedom From Influence” matching fund that would “multiply the impact of small-dollar donations.”
"It is breathtakingly cynical to give even more power to the wealthy and well-connected on the heels of an election that ushered in a new, dangerous era of big money in politics," stated Rep. John Sarbanes.
Democratic Rep. John Sarbanes of Maryland, whose father, Paul, spent 30 years in the Senate, said it will be "very hard" for Congress to return to the more accommodating practices of his dad's era. He said lawmakers are under relentless pressure to raise campaign money, and when they face a policy question, they wonder, "what would my money patrons think if I were to give ground on this provision?"
"That tends to put members of Congress in a harness," Sarbanes said.
“I think the overarching narrative that is most powerful right now is that everyday citizens are being left out — almost locked out — of their own democracy, when you look at Washington, when you look at the influence that special interests have,” said Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.). “Democrats want to find a way to give people their voice back.”
Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Md., shares with Alex Witt the latest he’s hearing on the Senate vote to approve the $1.1 trillion spending package, as well as what he anticipates will happen when the Homeland Security budget runs out in February.
Congressman John Sarbanes talks with Rachel Maddow about his disappointment with fellow Democrats who were successfully lobbied at the last minute to vote in favor of the CROmnibus.
"If you're not showing the public you're willing to fight on these issues," Representative John Sarbanes of Maryland asked, "what are you willing to fight for?"
Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Congressman John Sarbanes talk with Chris Hayes about that late lobbying before the passage of the CROmnibus.
The state's more centrist Democrats, Reps. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Steny Hoyer and John Delaney, voted for the bill; while the more liberal members, Reps. John Sarbanes, Donna Edwards, Elijah Cummings and Chris Van Hollen opposed it.
"When it comes to climate change, I think we can say he is the conscience of the Congress," Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) said of Waxman.