Real talk: Federal elections today aren't about who is most qualified for the job. They're not about the right experience, connection w/the community, or commitment. They're about fundraising. We're sending professional fundraisers to DC, & wondering why things don't work. 1/
The influence of dark money is undeniable. Corporations & special interests run the show, & many politicians are subject to their demands (since that's who got them elected). E.g., if the fossil fuel lobby wasn't so powerful, we'd still be in the Paris Agreement. 2/
I've been running my campaign for just shy of a year. I've seen things that disgust me even more than I expected. Our system is diseased, & the infection is money. The worst part is that to run a competitive campaign, even on a shoestring, bare-bones budget, you still need it. 3/
I'm now a fierce advocate for overturning the Citizens United decision. We MUST publicly fund elections. This is how we get true diversity of representation. There's no way in hell I could run if I was single. You literally can't work a job & run a serious campaign. 4/
That simple fact means we lose so many amazing potential representatives to the money machine. Single parents & people from low-income backgrounds are pretty much shut out of elected offices. There are exceptions, but they're few & far between. That's why our govt is broken. 5/
We need different voices working for us. We need scientists, sanitation workers, retail managers, farm workers, animal rescuers, social workers, nurses, & more. Congress is 80% lawyers & businesspeople because money (not logic) rules our government. 6/
I've looked at this problem from every possible angle, & the solution is a tough one. We MUST elect candidates who aren't beholden to anyone other than the people they represent. That means that to get money out of politics, we have to support real grassroots candidates. 7/
When a true grassroots candidate is running, send some money their way whenever you can. It doesn't have to be a lot, as long as you help amplify their message by encouraging your friends to donate. Only 0.58% of US adults donate politically. There's your 1%. 8/
So many good candidates never get a chance to serve because it's just a high dollar shitshow now. Instead of problem-solvers, we're sending professional fundraisers to run our country. If you really want change in govt, start advocating for campaign finance reform. 9/
And because I'm actually walking the walk & running an insurgent grassroots campaign in an era where money is king, I (ironically) have to end this by asking you for money. At least you know who I'll answer to in Congress. Hint: look in the mirror. #
jess2018.com/give
jess2018.com/give
