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Money in Politics

Citizens United invited huge sums of dark money into our democracy. We're demanding reforms that put ordinary people ahead of billionaire campaign donors.

Americans know that money has too much influence in our political system. That is why we advocate for money in politics solutions that empower small-dollar donors to make an impact in campaigns, require disclosure of all campaign money raised and spent, remove the financial barriers stopping everyday people from running for office, and hold elected officials and wealthy special interests accountable to voters.

Even with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, states and cities across the country are proving that we can improve our campaign finance system with laws that amplify the voices of everyday Americans.

Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.

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Related Resources

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Report

“A Cycle of Corruption”: A Timeline of the Householder/HB6 Scandal

As watchdogs for government transparency, Common Cause Ohio continues to catalog the Householder/House Bill 6 scandal, compiling key events and verdicts in this growing timeline.

Guide

Shining A Light on Dark Money—It’s Time for Ohioans to Unite for a Brighter Future

The House Bill 6 scandal—the biggest in Ohio history—was a $60 million scheme by FirstEnergy and other utility companies to buy seats and votes in the Ohio House to secure passage of a billion dollar bailout of failing nuclear and coal plants in Ohio and Indiana. The scheme was “successful” in that the money helped elect supportive legislators who then voted to pass HB6. Parts of the corrupt bill are still on the books, and Ohio utility customers are still on the hook to bail out the failed plants, to the tune of over $445,000 per day....

Guide

List of Key Resources in the Householder/HB6 Scandal

Guide

Frequently Asked Questions about the Householder/HB6 Scandal

Press

20-Year Sentencing of Householder Provides Real Consequences RE: Pay-to-Play in Ohio

Press Release

20-Year Sentencing of Householder Provides Real Consequences RE: Pay-to-Play in Ohio

"This sentencing has significant implications, both in the Buckeye State and across the country. By holding Householder accountable, it sends a message to fellow legislators and other public officials that, not only is pay-to-play wrong and illegal, there can be real consequences."

New Project Launches to Put Ohio Judicial Elections in “the People’s Hands”

Press Release

New Project Launches to Put Ohio Judicial Elections in “the People’s Hands”

COLUMBUS, OH — Today Common Cause Ohio launched its “Judge the Ads” project, a website dedicated to informing and engaging voters regarding ads for and against candidates in the upcoming Ohio Supreme Court races.

Common Cause Ohio Launches Timeline Tool to Highlight ‘Non-stop Cycle of Bucking’ in State Redistricting Process

Press Release

Common Cause Ohio Launches Timeline Tool to Highlight ‘Non-stop Cycle of Bucking’ in State Redistricting Process

“With Common Cause Ohio’s newly launched timeline tool, we hope to shine a light on our leaders’ missteps and finally hold them accountable. Available to both the public and press, we’re doing the work to keep all Ohioans informed and continue the call for truly transparent mapmaking and districts that will equitably represent Ohio communities and voters.”