Our demand is simple. We want truly democratic government, served by elected representatives who uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity. We demand sweeping reform to return our government to its basic responsibility: serving all the people of this great nation.
American history tells a story of expanding democracy, opportunity, and accountable governance. Throughout our history, the American people have demanded that their government reflect our nation’s highest ideals of openness and honesty, transparency and integrity and -- above all else -- a clear commitment to protecting the interest of the American people, not powerful special interests.
When the excesses of a corrupt establishment have gone too far, the American people have risen up and reformed the political process to correct our course -- because ultimately it is the people who must lead.
Today, to achieve and maintain power, the leaders of the Republican Party have built a system where money not only buys influence, but the right to govern. Special interests and their lobbyists not only buy access, they buy results -- on any issue, no matter the public interest. This Republican culture of corruption prevails through all levels of government.
Republican leaders have made the terms of the deal very clear. Those who make an investment in keeping Republican leaders in power will see a huge return on their investment in the form of corporate welfare, no-bid contracts and favorable regulation -- at the expense of the public interest.
This corrupt cycle must be broken. When our elected officials bend government to serve their own interests or those of their friends, our democracy is at risk.
Honest leadership is not a partisan goal -- it is the key to a stronger Union. It is time to put progress ahead of politics. Together, we can change this government and rebuild trust with the American people. I call on Republicans to join Democrats in restoring honest leadership to all levels of government. The American people deserve nothing less.
