Sen. Reid on Elections and Ethics

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the election approaches, 1001 Reasons to Vote Against Harry Reid, an independent committee, has taken a closer look at Sen. Reid's votes that directly impact an incumbent's ability to remain in office. From advocating public financing with taxpayer dollars, to allowing voter files to become ripe for corruption, to empowering special interest lobbyists over ordinary Americans, Sen. Reid's voting history is littered with examples of how he has fought to keep the incumbent ruling class ensconced in power. Here are just a few examples:

1. "NO" to suspending a pay raise for members of Congress 12/7/01. Vote #360.
2. "NO" to a sliding campaign contribution scale for federal candidates facing self-funding candidates 3/19/01. Vote #37.
3. "NO" to prohibiting House and Senate candidates from accepting campaign contributions from lobbyists when Congress is in session 3/20/01. Vote #40.
4. "YES" to taxpayer financing of political campaigns 3/21/01. Vote #42.
5. "YES" to a Constitutional amendment to restrict 1st Amendment protected political campaign speech 3/26/01. Vote #47.
6. "YES" to a 200% taxpayer-funded match for campaign contributions under $200 3/27/01. Vote #52.
7. "YES" to "voluntary" campaign spending limits. If a candidate who abides by limits is facing an opponent who does not, and the opponent spends $10,000 over the limit, then the candidate who does not would be eligible for taxpayer financing equal to 2x the amount spent over the limit 3/29/01. Vote #58.
8. "YES" to requiring broadcasters to give free airtime to political candidates 3/29/01. Vote #60.
9. "YES" to restoring voting rights for convicted felons (Reid offered the amendment) 2/14/02. Vote #31.
10. "NO" to allowing election officials to purge voter registration rolls every four years 2/14/02. Vote #34.
11. "NO" on requiring a photo ID to vote (Reid did not actually vote on this, but announced his opposition) 2/27/02. Vote #38.

"Unfortunately for Nevadans, Sen. Reid seems to view his office as an entitlement program that should be protected at all costs. He seems intent on rigging the system to help incumbents through public financing while preserving and expanding powerful perks for lobbyists, not to mention empowering convicted felons. Ordinary Americans will have their voices silenced while Reid allies see their rights expanded. Nevadans deserve better," said Audrey Mullen, spokeswoman for the Committee.

"1001 Reasons to Vote Against Harry Reid" exists online at http://www.harryreidvotes.com for the purpose of educating the public about Senator Reid's voting record and raising the funds necessary to finance television and radio ads this fall. It is an independent 527 committee chaired by Nevada resident and former U.S. Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian. Voters are encouraged to visit the HarryReidVotes.com website and use the interactive quiz function http://www.harryreidvotes.com/quiz/ to see how their views align with Senator Reid's votes.

SOURCE 1001 Reasons to Vote Against Harry Reid