|
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Babette Josephs |
|
Josephs intros bill to require disclosure of campaign fundraising bundlers
HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., has introduced a bill that would require the disclosure of the identities of people who gather contributions and present the lump sum to a campaign.
Known as "bundlers," these people solicit friends, neighbors, family and acquaintances for campaign contributions and then give the amount collected to a campaign. As a result, Josephs said, these people often are given preferential treatment by the candidate once in office, such as an honorary title or appointment because they bring in huge campaign contributions.
Although every presidential nominee since 2000 has disclosed his bundlers -- except for Mitt Romney who has refused to do so, Josephs said that lack of transparency at the state level could be a problem.
"Under current law, bundlers do not have to be identified, but since they influence elections and can receive a quid pro quo for their campaign fundraising efforts, they should be brought out into the light for transparency's sake," Josephs said.
Josephs' bill would require each campaign expense report to list the full name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of each bundler who has made one or more contributions to a campaign or committee.
The bill (H.B. 2335) has been referred to the House State Government Committee.
###