Bernie Sanders Urges Democrats to Ban Super PACs from Primaries

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has called on the Democratic Party leadership to ban super PACs from participating in primary elections, labeling their involvement in political fundraising as a form of "corruption."

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You can't allow Democratic candidates to be outspent 50 to 1. But it is a corrupt campaign finance system, and Democrats can take charge of what takes place within their own primaries right now.

In a letter addressed to Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Sanders urged Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United. This landmark decision significantly reduced restrictions on independent political spending, effectively paving the way for the creation of super PACs.

Sanders argued that as long as super PACs exist and offer a financial advantage, even candidates who advocate for reform will likely continue to accept their support. He stated, "You can't allow Democratic candidates to be outspent 50 to 1. But it is a corrupt campaign finance system, and Democrats can take charge of what takes place within their own primaries right now." He believes that while general elections might be more complex, the party can take proactive steps within its primaries.

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I urge you to take action and make clear that the Democratic Party will no longer maintain this corrupt system.

The Vermont Senator specifically proposed that the Democratic Party should take internal measures to prohibit super PACs from participating in their primary contests. "I urge you to take action and make clear that the Democratic Party will no longer maintain this corrupt system," Sanders wrote. He expressed hope that all Democrats could agree that "Republican special interests should not play a role in determining the outcome of Democratic primaries."

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While there are ideological differences of opinion within the big tent of the party, I would hope that we can all agree that Republican special interests should not play a role in determining the outcome of Democratic primaries. The time to act is now.