The overriding goal of the Money and Politics Program is to preserve and strengthen those values and qualities that are the foundation of a healthy democratic political system: honesty, fairness, transparency, accountability, competition, and informed citizen participation. Accordingly, the Foundation seeks to create political cultures in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin which makes it possible for more citizens, not just those who are wealthy and well-connected, to run for public office; offers voters real candidate and policy choices at election time; protects voting rights; respects the independence and impartiality of the courts; promotes the public's right to know about government operations and decisions; guarantees the fairness and reliability of elections; and provides citizens with the information needed to make reasoned decisions.
Program priorities are:
To support organizations and coalitions in the Midwest that are willing and have the skills to:
- Contribute to the development and promotion of broad, multi-issue political reform agendas within the target states, including improvements in the laws and practices governing campaign finance, elections, government ethics, redistricting, lobbying, judicial selection, government openness, and local news coverage of government and politics
- Engage in activities necessary for effective advocacy--policy research and development, public and policy-maker education, coalition-building, news media outreach, and participation in official proceedings, including litigation
- Work collaboratively with other reform groups, academic and legal experts, and policy makers to advance shared goals within their states and across the region
- Participate in activities designed to enhance their capacities in the areas of strategic planning, organizing, coalition-building, fund-raising, advocacy, and communications
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