Introducing the SquareState Small Donor Committee

By johne, Section Diaries
Posted on Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 04:26:27 PM EST
Tags: Colorado, Act Blue, SquareState, Mark Udall, Diana Degette, Ed Perlmutter, Betsy Markey, Jared Polis, Dick Wadhams (all tags)

Share This: Digg!

Act Blue has gotten into state races in the last year, but they hadn't come to Colorado yet for one simple reason. Legally, Act Blue can't operate on a state level in Colorado as current law prohibits an intermediary transfer of funds. So, I created what's known in Colorado as a Small Donor Committee. In the works for almost a year, finally the i's are all dotted; the t's are all crossed. The SquareState Small Donor Committee is here.

We've done pontificating, pointed out the failed policies of the extreme right wing, mobilized voters, coordinated grassroots action, and even fundraised for federal races. It's time to help those local candidates we want to see in office in our somewhat square state. Let's show (current CO-GOP chair)Dick Wadhams that this isn't the same state the last time he was here. All the progress made in the last few years, we're just getting started.

Here's how it works. Any citizen can contribute up to $50 per calendar year to a small donor committee. The committee may then make contributions to local and state candidates at higher contribution limits than may any one person. For example, for this year we can give $2125 to a state senate or state house candidate.

To whom are we doling out the moolah? That's yet to be determined but candidates will be asked to demonstrate that they hold our same set of beliefs:

Economic Justice: Prosperity should be accessible to everyone, not merely the few.
Civil Rights: Every individual's civil rights must be protected; discrimination and harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or physical and developmental ability should be banned.
Health Care: Every individual should have affordable, quality health care.
Education: It is essential that we invest in quality public education for all.
Environment: We must commit to restoring and protecting our environment. In addition, our new energy economy must favor less and non-polluting energy production instead of 19th centu