Campaign finance reform architect visits Bay

Outspoken former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold will address the issue of money in the political process on Saturday, February 9, 4 p.m., at Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills.

The title of Saturday’s address is “The Citizens United Decision and the Role of Corporate Money in the American Political Process.” California State Sen. Jerry Hill will also participate in the event, as well as Trent Lange, director of the California DISCLOSE Act and California Clean Money.

Sen. Feingold (D-Wis.) served in the U.S. Senate from 1993-2011 and was the co-author of the McCain-Feingold Act, a federal law that amended the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, which regulates the financing of political campaigns.

McCain-Feingold was subsequently invalidated by the Supreme Court in the 2010 Citizens United decision.

As one of the most popular elected officials in Wisconsin history, Feingold has been elected three times to the U.S. Senate, serving from 1993-2011. He is also the founder of Progressives United, an organization seeking to protect and expand democracy, “by organizing and amplifying the voices of those who believe that corporations have too much power in our democracy.”

During his lengthy time in office, Feingold focused on legislative issues such as campaign finance reform, fair trade, healthcare, conservation and the environment. He has also voiced opposition to capital punishment and wasteful government spending.

The February 9 event is free and open to the public.