WHAT ABOUT THE CITIZENS?
Over the past few weeks Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has increased the number of company CEOs who have pledged to boycott all political campaign contributions.
They plan to boycott until the president and Congress have reached a long-term debt and deficit plan.
I too, have grown tired of the government’s status quo. I have experienced what most Americans have, loss of a job, loss of a home, living paycheck to paycheck, the constant worrying about providing for my kids and continually hearing the empty promises from Washington.
A few months back, I too like Schultz, decided to take action. I have just filed my paperwork with the FEC to challenge Rep. Ben Quayle, R-CD 3, in the 2012 election.
I don’t feel that Washington will make any significant advances for the American people until the names and faces of our politicians have changed.
The problem I see with Howard Schultz’s pledge is that people like Ben Quayle and other candidates are well connected to campaign contributors.
They will be well financed regardless of Schultz’s actions or the actions of fellow CEOs.
However, for the citizen candidates like myself, this action will limit access to capital. The simple truth is, campaigns must have contributors.
There is no way to spread the word or a citizen candidate’s name without adequate funding.
This is why we usually see the wealthiest Americans in office and rarely see the average citizen step forward into leadership roles.
This action Schultz and others have pledged, all but ensures the re-election of individuals who are unable or unwilling to create effective solutions.
Russell Jenna
Congressional Candidate, CD 3
