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The DISCLOSE Act wouldn't bar corporations from buying elections, but it would be one step forward in citizens knowing just which corporations are behind the attack ads. And if the Republicans who blocked even these simple transparency requirements get away with it, we'll never be able to pass the stronger reforms we need to truly fix our democracy.
The Target boycott has shown our leaders that the public is growing tired of backroom deals and unlimited corporate influence. Let's turn that momentum into a concrete step toward curbing corporate control in Washington.

The retail company Target just gave over $150,000 to buy ads supporting a far-right Republican candidate for governor in Minnesota.

That's bad enough. But the stakes are much higher than one candidate and one company. If we don't push back hard, this will just be the tip of the iceberg. Other corporations will learn that they can pour money into elections to buy the outcome they want. So we're sending a message to Target's CEO that we won't shop there if Target continues spending money on elections.

sign the petition, learn more moveon.org

Full petition text: "I won't shop at Target until it stops spending money on elections. Companies like Target should stay out of elections, period."

Because of news about the Target boycott, millions of people now know about corporations' new power to buy elections. But here's the problem: Target's donation only came to light because of a state law in Minnesota. Under federal law, corporations can still spend money in secret to influence elections, using shadowy front groups. How much of a problem is this?

The Associated Press reported yesterday that the chamber of commerce is planning on spending so much for Republicans in this election that it constitutes a "virtual third party" in America.1 And other groups like Karl Rove's American Crossroads will spend millions more. Enough, potentially, to swing the whole election. All on behalf of secret corporate donors. Congress has a bill—the DISCLOSE Act—that wouldn't stop these donations but would at least drag these donations out into the light by forcing disclosure of the donors behind the front groups.

Republicans have blocked it once, but recognizing how many Americans are angry about the Target case, Sens. Charles Schumer and Patrick Leahy are leading a call to bring the bill back for another vote. Can you call your senators today and ask them to support Sens. Schumer and Leahy in bringing back the DISCLOSE Act?

Here are the numbers to call:

Senator Saxby Chambliss Phone: 202-224-3521
Senator Johnny Isakson Phone: 202-224-3643