Alexi Giannoulias For Illinois

[Hope And Change]

http://www.alexiforillinois.com/home">

GIANNOULIAS REFUSES MONEY FROM CORPORATE PACS & FEDERAL LOBBYISTS

3/30/2009

As most of you know, I've formed an Exploratory Committee to consider running for the U.S. Senate seat once held by my friend and political mentor, President Barack Obama. Inspired by his example, I'm announcing today that if I ultimately decide to run, I will not accept any contributions from corporate PACs or Washington lobbyists.

I announce this decision as we witness today the disastrous aftermath of the golden age of corporate special interests and lobbyists. George W. Bush's policies, implemented at the insistence of a few and at the expense of many, have plundered our treasury, bankrupted our future, and poisoned our politics.

The election of Barack Obama signaled that this age of skewed policies is coming to an end. The change Americans voted for in the 2008 election was a call to take back our government from those few, narrow interests that dominated Washington for far too long.

Today, in that spirit, I am taking a step that no major Illinois candidate from either party has ever taken in a run for the U.S. Senate. It is a decision that advances us one step closer to that change that we all fought for and believed in last November. I will simply say "NO" to contributions from all federal lobbyists and corporate PACs.

These special interests do not represent the interests of most Americans, and they should not be allowed to buy a seat at the table when it comes to deciding critical issues or determining the direction of our nation, especially in the midst of our current financial crisis.

http://www.alexiforillinois.com/node/3059">Read more here

[asjr]

1. He must have a money tree growing

in his yard.

[AngryAmish]

2. When will be be rid of these crooks?

He is just another Machine politician. Maybe he can ask Bob Kjellander for money to run.

[Hope And Change]

3. AngryAmish: Please explain to me why refusing...

contributions from all federal lobbyists and corporate PACs is a bad thing.

[Hope And Change]

4. Giannoulias raises more that $1.1 million for possible Senate bid

Giannoulias raises more that $1.1 million for possible Senate bid

4/7/2009

Remarkable 28-day effort achieved without any contributions from corporate PACs or Washington lobbyists.

Despite the economic downturn and lowered expectations for political fundraising this year, Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has raised more than $1.1 million in less than a month for a possible 2010 U.S. Senate run.

Giannoulias formed his exploratory committee on March 3, leaving just 28 days to raise money before the March 31 deadline that marked the end of the first-quarter filing period.

"Considering we have yet to even announce our candidacy, we've received an incredible outpouring of support from people who are excited for a new kind of leadership in Washington." Giannoulias said.

The fundraising figure is even more impressive given that Giannoulias is the first Illinois candidate for U.S. Senate ever to refuse contributions from corporate PACs and federal lobbyists, significantly limiting the types of contributions he can accept.

"Following in the tradition of Barack Obama, we are giving Illinoisans the choice to stand with someone who says NO to corporate PACs and Washington lobbyists," Giannoulias said.

In addition, the fundraising totals reflect that Giannoulias has relied on the generosity of supporters, not any of his personal money.

http://www.alexiforillinois.com/node/3064">Read more here

[WeDidIt]

5. I fully support Giannoulias

He's proven he can win in a statewide election and that's one fo my most important considerations.