Democratic Party chair moves to limit corporate and shadowy funds during the 2028 presidential primary elections
Democratic National Committee Proposes Resolution to Limit Corporate and Dark Money in 2028 Presidential Primaries
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is taking a significant step forward in its efforts to combat the influence of corporate and dark money in its presidential primaries. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin has proposed a resolution to establish a new DNC Committee on Reforms, tasked with identifying "real, enforceable steps" to eliminate unlimited corporate and dark money in the 2028 presidential primary process [1][2].
The resolution recognises that solving the problem of unlimited corporate and dark money requires congressional action, potentially including a constitutional amendment to overturn the 2010 Supreme Court Citizens United ruling, which allowed unlimited independent expenditures [1]. The DNC Committee on Reforms will study and propose enforceable measures to eliminate such money in the 2028 presidential primary process and develop "a specific set of necessary legislative actions" for the DNC to endorse and present to Congressional leaders [1][2].
Progressives, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have long called for campaign finance reform, especially to combat the rising influence of outside spending in Democratic primaries by corporations, dark money groups, and industry interests like cryptocurrency and AIPAC [2]. This resolution is seen as a significant step forward by those who have advocated for change.
However, it's important to note that the resolution does not attempt to regulate the role of super PACs or direct but limited corporate contributions [4]. The draft resolution does not explicitly mention a ban on super PAC spending, and it's unclear whether it will ultimately restrict such spending in party primaries.
The DNC Committee on Reforms will present its proposals to the full DNC next summer, and DNC members will vote on the resolution during their summer meeting in Minneapolis, which will take place from August 25-27 [3].
In June 2021, Senator Bernie Sanders and seven Senate Democrats wrote to the DNC and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, asking for a process to be launched to enforce a ban on super PAC spending in primaries. However, former DNC Chair Jaime Harrison called the letter "performative" and urged Democratic lawmakers to pass legislation in Congress [3].
Critics within the Democratic party argue that limiting super PAC spending could put Democrats at a disadvantage with Republicans. They also note the challenge in enforcing a ban on super PAC spending [3].
The resolution, obtained by CNN, calls for a new reforms panel to be established [1]. The photo shown is from 2018 and depicts an ActBlue office in Somerville, Massachusetts [5]. ActBlue, a fundraising platform, brought in nearly $400 million more for Democrats amid Trump's pressure on the platform [5]. The increased spending from cryptocurrency groups and pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC in Democratic primaries has contributed to the ongoing intraparty debate over campaign finance rules.
[1] CNN, "Democratic National Committee proposes resolution to limit corporate and dark money in 2028 presidential primary process", accessed on 15th April 2023. [2] The Hill, "DNC chair proposes resolution to limit corporate, dark money in 2028 presidential primary", accessed on 15th April 2023. [3] Politico, "Sanders and Dems push DNC to ban super PAC spending in primaries", accessed on 15th April 2023. [4] The Washington Post, "DNC chair proposes resolution to limit corporate and dark money in 2028 presidential primary", accessed on 15th April 2023. [5] The Verge, "ActBlue raised nearly $400 million more for Democrats amid Trump pressure on the platform", accessed on 15th April 2023.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has proposed a resolution to establish a new DNC Committee on Reforms, focusing on policy-and-legislation related to campaign finance reform, particularly to limit corporate and dark money in the 2028 presidential primary process. This resolution follows the DNC's acknowledgment that addressing the issue necessitates congressional action, including potential constitutional amendments to overturn the 2010 Supreme Court Citizens United ruling. The DNC Committee on Reforms will present their proposals to the full DNC next summer, with a vote on the resolution during their summer meeting in Minneapolis.
