News You Need

The latest news from Issue One as we unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the movement to fix our broken political system.

Statement of Meredith McGehee: Rather than “drain the swamp,” the Washington establishment is flooding it

On Friday morning Issue One Chief of Policy, Programs and Strategy Meredith McGehee issued the following statement with regard to President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team.  I’ve been successfully fighting to hold Washington accountable for the past few decades, most of it as registered lobbyist, and I know how resistant #ThisTown is to anyone rocking the boat. One thing is for

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Victory! Money-in-politics reform won across the country on election night

On November 8, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump’s call to “drain the swamp” clearly resonated with many voters. While most of the news coverage is focusing on Mr. Trump, voters also showed their hunger for change by approving several important state and local ballot initiatives that will reduce the power of special interests and open up state and local politics to

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Statement of Nick Penniman: Donald Trump rides into the White House on a wave of populism and now it is time to reform the system

Following Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential contest early Wednesday morning, Issue One Executive Director Nick Penniman released the following statement: Donald Trump rides into the White House on a wave of populism from voters residing in both the reddest red states and the long-neglected pockets of swing contests throughout the country. His campaign was fueled by voters’ burning desire

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State money-in-politics reform roundup

This is part of a series examining ethics, transparency and campaign finance proposals in the states. Next week, voters around the country will finally have a chance to vote for the next president and, in a handful of cases, the health of their local democracy. Here are the ballot initiatives in cities and states that try to directly address our

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Meredith McGehee named top grassroots lobbyist by The Hill

Today, The Hill named Issue One Chief of Policy, Programs and Strategy Meredith McGehee a top grassroots lobbyist in Washington, D.C. for the tenth year. In her statement below, Meredith explains why she joined Issue One to lead its fight for robust ethics and political reform regulations. Folk wisdom in Washington is that, after the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision,

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Want more women in elected office? Fix our campaign finance system

This letter to the editor originally appeared in the New York Times. It is in response to an earlier article about why women shy away from running for office. It’s not an “ambition gap” that holds women back from our rightful place in elected office, but a systemic flaw in our politics that prioritizes fund-raising prowess over ability, experience and character. “Winning?

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Issue One turns two!

This week marks Issue One’s second anniversary and we couldn’t be prouder of the progress we’ve made to help unite both parties behind real solutions to our broken campaign finance system.  It’s been a busy two years. Our ReFormers Caucus is 158 members strong, and one-third Republican. Comprised of former governors and members of Congress from both parties, it is the largest

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We have a chance to stop conflicts of interest in government

This letter to the editor originally appeared in USA Today. It is in response to an earlier article about companies lobbying the State Department at Clinton fundraisers.  Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have both been more than happy to point out the failings of their opponent, especially when it pertains to access, influence and “bad business deals.” But Americans want

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Statement: Meredith McGehee on the final presidential debate

Following tonight’s presidential debate, Meredith McGehee, Issue One’s chief of policy, programs and strategy issued the following statement:  Should Hillary Clinton become president, it is imperative for her to commit to create a “Chinese Wall” between the government and the Clinton Foundation which she failed to do as Secretary of State. Likewise, she should continue the restrictions on lobbyists’ access to elected

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