Friday, August 18, 2006

Batman Fights for Clean Campaigning

Bat Signal Shines Light on Schwarzenegger Fundraiser, Alerts Public to Political Corruption
Batman made a cameo appearance last night for California’s political reform initiative, Proposition 89. While Arnold Schwarzenegger was inside raising funds from special interests in exchange for policies that benefit those vested interests at the expense of everyday Californians, Batman arrived outside—and projected his 40-foot high logo on the outside of the building where Schwarzenegger was having his event.

“When politicians like Schwarzenegger sell access to events, it's the people of California who pay the real price. Patients today can't afford healthcare, schools fail our students, and oil companies foul our environment. That's why we're here shining the 89 logo on this fundraiser--to let the people of California know there's hope for change in our broken political system.,” said Rose Ann DeMoro, Executive Director of the California Nurses Association, the proponents of Prop. 89.

During his time in office, Schwarzenegger has become a national symbol of the need for campaign finance reform. Despite promising to clean up Sacramento, he has broken all records for political fundraising, and in return has offered Big Oil, Big Drug, Big Insurance and other corporations unprecedented influence over government policy. Prop. 89 sets tough limits on contributions from corporations, unions and individuals and bans contributions to candidates by lobbyists and state contractors. It establishes public financing for candidates who reject private money, and contains tough penalties for candidates who break the law, including jail time and removal from office.