A recent petition on The White House website calls on congressional representatives and senators “to wear logos of their financial backers on their clothing, much like NASCAR drivers do.”
Here is the full text of the petition:
Since most politicians’ campaigns are largely funded by wealthy companies and individuals, it would give voters a better sense of who the candidate they are voting for is actually representing if the company’s logo, or individual’s name, was prominently displayed upon the candidate’s clothing at all public appearances and campaign events. Once elected, the candidate would be required to continue to wear those “sponsor’s” names during all official duties and visits to constituents. The size of a logo or name would vary with the size of a donation. For example, a $1 million dollar contribution would warrant a patch of about 4″ by 8″ on the chest, while a free meal from a lobbyist would be represented by a quarter-sized button. Individual donations under $1000 are exempt.
There are 23,535 signatures on the petition so far.
So what would it look like to see lawmakers walking the halls of Congress wearing the logos of their biggest corporate contributors?
Gentlemen, start your engines…
Photo: Monte Isom via Flickr
John Boehner: Team AT&T
Telecom giant AT&T contributed $302,900 to House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) during the 2011-2012 campaign cycle.
Mitch McConnell: Team Kindred Healthcare
Louisville, Kentucky-based healthcare service company Kindred contributed $186,000 to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in the 2011-2012 campaign cycle.
Harry Reid: Team MGM
Paradise, Nevada-based gaming and hospitality company MGM Resorts International contributed $247,690 to Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) during the 2011-2012 campaign cycle.
Eric Cantor: Team Dominion
Richmond, Virginia-based power and energy company Dominion Resources contributed $228,347 to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor during the 2011-2012 campaign cycle.
Paul Ryan: Team Northwestern Mutual
Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based financial services company Northwestern Mutual contributed $97,550 to Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) during the 2011-2012 campaign cycle.
