THE LATEST FROM TAKE BACK OUR REPUBLIC
John Pudner Talks Instant Runoffs On The Matha Zoller Show
Earlier this morning Executive Director John Pudner was a guest on Georgia’s most conservative morning radio show with Martha Zoller. John talked about how instant runoffs help keep voter turnout high and save states millions of dollars in costly runoffs. To listen to the interview in its entirety click below.
TBOR ED and 140 Others Attend Fulton County Breakfast
Take Back Our Republic ED and Take Back Action Fund President John Pudner talked voter reform issues at a breakfast attended by 140 people Saturday morning in Fulton County, Georgia. The newest US Senator, Kelly Loeffler, and State Senate Pro Tem Jan Jones provided updates on the Capitol Hill and the State Capitol in Atlanta. …
TBOR ED and 140 Others Attend Fulton County Breakfast Read More »
Sister Group TBAF Featured In AJC
Yesterday Take Back Action Fund, the sister organization to Take Back Our Republic, had it’s Instant RUnoff proposal mentioned in the AJC. “The “instant runoff” proposal would require voters to rank candidates for office — first choice, second choice, thus eliminating the need for a second round of voting. The Take Back Action Fund is …
Executive Director John Pudner Talks Cambridge Analytica in The Hill
The flaw in the reaction to new leaks regarding Cambridge Analytica is ignoring the important question of are the identities of foreign donors into our elections being hidden? Unfortunately, the reaction has been outrage that the company used Facebook social graphs to target voters around the U.S. and abroad, with the purely partisan attack following that this …
Executive Director John Pudner Talks Cambridge Analytica in The Hill Read More »
Executive Director John Pudner Featured in NewsMax
NewsMax featured TBOR Executive Director’s opinion piece noting that in almost every case – Clinton voters support impeachment and all other voters do not. The only winners in the impeachment hearings to date are political consultants raking in contributions as the hearing stroke anger on both sides. Click here for the opinion piece.
Communications Coordinator Noah Durham featured in The Fulcrum
Noah Durham is the communications coordinator at Take Back Our Republic, a conservative organization in Alabama advocating for changes in federal campaign finance rules focused on increasing disclosure requirements for big special-interest groups and reduced regulation of small-dollar individual donors. A native of Baton Rouge, La., and a 23-year-old student at Auburn University, he started …
Communications Coordinator Noah Durham featured in The Fulcrum Read More »
How Instant Runoff Voting Works And Why It’s Helpful
For many reasons, Take Back Our Republic is a strong supporter of Instant Runoffs (also called Ranked Choice Voting). For states that currently have runoffs, it can eliminate the need for voters to return to the polls almost two months later for a runoff to save money. For states without runoffs, it encourages more ideas, …
How Instant Runoff Voting Works And Why It’s Helpful Read More »
ISSUES WE'RE WORKING ON
John Pudner Talks Instant Runoffs On The Matha Zoller Show
Earlier this morning Executive Director John Pudner was a guest on Georgia’s most conservative morning radio show with Martha Zoller. John talked about how instant runoffs help keep voter turnout high and save states millions of dollars in costly runoffs. To listen to the interview in its entirety click below.
TBOR ED and 140 Others Attend Fulton County Breakfast
Take Back Our Republic ED and Take Back Action Fund President John Pudner talked voter reform issues at a breakfast attended by 140 people Saturday morning in Fulton County, Georgia. The newest US Senator, Kelly Loeffler, and State Senate Pro Tem Jan Jones provided updates on the Capitol Hill and the State Capitol in Atlanta. …
TBOR ED and 140 Others Attend Fulton County Breakfast Read More »
Sister Group TBAF Featured In AJC
Yesterday Take Back Action Fund, the sister organization to Take Back Our Republic, had it’s Instant RUnoff proposal mentioned in the AJC. “The “instant runoff” proposal would require voters to rank candidates for office — first choice, second choice, thus eliminating the need for a second round of voting. The Take Back Action Fund is …
Executive Director John Pudner Talks Cambridge Analytica in The Hill
The flaw in the reaction to new leaks regarding Cambridge Analytica is ignoring the important question of are the identities of foreign donors into our elections being hidden? Unfortunately, the reaction has been outrage that the company used Facebook social graphs to target voters around the U.S. and abroad, with the purely partisan attack following that this …
Executive Director John Pudner Talks Cambridge Analytica in The Hill Read More »
Executive Director John Pudner Featured in NewsMax
NewsMax featured TBOR Executive Director’s opinion piece noting that in almost every case – Clinton voters support impeachment and all other voters do not. The only winners in the impeachment hearings to date are political consultants raking in contributions as the hearing stroke anger on both sides. Click here for the opinion piece.
Communications Coordinator Noah Durham featured in The Fulcrum
Noah Durham is the communications coordinator at Take Back Our Republic, a conservative organization in Alabama advocating for changes in federal campaign finance rules focused on increasing disclosure requirements for big special-interest groups and reduced regulation of small-dollar individual donors. A native of Baton Rouge, La., and a 23-year-old student at Auburn University, he started …
Communications Coordinator Noah Durham featured in The Fulcrum Read More »
How Instant Runoff Voting Works And Why It’s Helpful
For many reasons, Take Back Our Republic is a strong supporter of Instant Runoffs (also called Ranked Choice Voting). For states that currently have runoffs, it can eliminate the need for voters to return to the polls almost two months later for a runoff to save money. For states without runoffs, it encourages more ideas, …
How Instant Runoff Voting Works And Why It’s Helpful Read More »
Who Dominates Dark Money Spending?
According to a variety of polls from the Associated Press/University of Chicago Center for Public Affairs Research, The New York Times and the Center for Public Integrity/Ipsos, both Democrat and Republican voters believe the wealthy disproportionately affect elections with their donations and that there should be more campaign finance disclosures and laws to increase campaign finance transparency. To read …
AP Story Quotes TBOR Exec Director Regarding Political Bribery Case
See the Associated Press story by Emery P. Dalesio (twitter, all stories) including the following quote from the Executive Director of Take Back Our Republic and President of Take Back Action Fund: John Pudner, a former political consultant who worked to elect Republicans in Virginia and Alabama and President George W. Bush in 2000, said …
AP Story Quotes TBOR Exec Director Regarding Political Bribery Case Read More »
TBOR Stops in PA
Executive Director John Pudner was spreading the word on FixIt America and other reforms throughout the state BEFORE visiting the Capitol today. Travel between meetings included a day of passing Amish buggies in the west followed by meeting people in a heavily Polish Community in the east where they erected a large statue of “Jan …
Fox Newscast in Battleground Ohio Features TBOR ED before Democratic Debate
The Fox (Channel 28) featured TBOR Executive Director John Pudner in their evening news cast leading into Thursday’s Democratic Presidential debate. After getting Pudner’s perspective on the current Presidential race, reporter Ben Garbarek asked Pudner to to recount the important of Ohio when he ran coalition efforts for George W. Bush in 2000. Pudner responded …
Fox Newscast in Battleground Ohio Features TBOR ED before Democratic Debate Read More »
Politics and Moore – John Pudner joins the program to discuss the FEC and foreign interference in our elections.
This past Saturday Executive Director, John Pudner, joined Politics & Moore to share concerns about China meddling in U.S. Elections. Click here to listen to the segment in its entirety.
TBOR Rustbelt 2019: RSVP for Any of 11 Cities in 11 Days
Developing … click back on this post as details will be added and see select invites at the bottom of the post. Take Back Our Republic is hosting events throughout the Rustbelt from September 9 through 19, as well as holding a drawing to see The Who with our Executive Director. Please call 334.329.7258 or …
TBOR Rustbelt 2019: RSVP for Any of 11 Cities in 11 Days Read More »
TBOR in NewsMax: End of FEC Encourages Chinese Meddling
While some conservatives oppose the Federal Election Commission (FEC), TBOR’s Executive Director points out the virtual end of the FEC invites countries like China – who would prefer another President – to use their massive resources to fund political campaigns attacking Republicans. Such involvement would dwarf the $200,000 in Facebook ads purchased by Russians during …
TBOR in NewsMax: End of FEC Encourages Chinese Meddling Read More »
TBOR Volunteers Talk Instant Runoffs at GA Event
TBOR volunteers attended a GA Fish Fry event this past Saturday to educate guests on Instant Runoff in the state. Our sister organization, Take Back Action Fund, was also represented at the event.
TBAF Bay State Project Develops from Take Back Our Republic Visit
When Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner visited Boston in June the reception of the message that independents, moderates, and conservatives should embrace reform just as strongly as progressive groups was overwhelming. Media coverage was swift from such outlets as the Boston Herald, Commonwealth Magazine and even the conservative radio show The Howie …
TBAF Bay State Project Develops from Take Back Our Republic Visit Read More »
The Chicago Sun-Times urges an end to what President Barack Obama once called “legalized bribery” in Illinois.
The Chicago Sun-Times urges an end to what President Barack Obama once called “legalized bribery” in Illinois. “Converting campaign cash into personal funds is one of many ways that big-donor money gets between ordinary people and the elected officials who are supposed to represent them. It’s part of a web of dark money and flabby …
AOC staff departure highlights the problem of corruption in Washington
“Saikat Chakrabarti, the chief of staff to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, just resigned. As her top aide, he was also under investigation for campaign finance violations, including the creation of two PACs that seemed to be operating illegally. He is being accused of setting up two companies, where roughly $1 million was funneled, in order to profit and possibly …
AOC staff departure highlights the problem of corruption in Washington Read More »
TBOR New England Coordinator Featured in the Hill
Take Back Our Republic’s New England Chair, Jim Rubens, was featured in the Hill this week. The former New Hampshire State Senator who fought against big gambling interests during his legislative years now focuses on our political reform issues. He has represented TBOR in several states, and you can read his entire op-ed here.
The Howie Carr Radio Show in Boston, MA
On July 26th, Executive Director, John Pudner, spoke about redistricting in Massachusetts with Geoff Diehl on the Howie Carr Show. Click the link below to listen to the interview in its entirety.
Double-Check Instant Runoff Voting Could be First Step for Several States
For many reasons, Take Back Our Republic is a strong supporter of Instant Runoffs (also called Ranked Choice Voting). For states that currently have runoffs, it can eliminate the need for voters to return to the polls almost two months later for a runoff to save money. For states without runoffs, it encourages more ideas, …
Double-Check Instant Runoff Voting Could be First Step for Several States Read More »
Minnesota Coordinator Holds Money in Politics Town Hall
Special thanks to our Minnesota coordinator Vicki Barnes for organizing another Townhall event in the state to discuss money in politics and a 28th Amendment. Vicki had former TBOR board member Dr. Richard Painter as a special guest speaker. You can watch the full video from the event below.
Let’s Fix the Scam PAC Problem
Political activists are passionate about their causes – right or left, R or D – and, while the era of social media has tainted citizen engagement as disruptive to civil discourse, the reality is that those who are highly involved form the backbone of our democracy. But, sadly, predatorial political operatives and/or con artists have …
Political-Industrial Complex Attacks TBOR for Fight Against Gerrymandering
The shrill reaction of critics in the political-industrial complex to Take Back Our Republic daring to challenge the redistricting process in Massachusetts are included in this piece in the Talking Points Memo. They are eerily similar to the reaction of the political-industrial complex to this National Review article a year before Take Back Our Republic …
Political-Industrial Complex Attacks TBOR for Fight Against Gerrymandering Read More »
First stop on TBOR Texas tour
Our Executive Director John Pudner enjoyed speaking at the Westbank Rotary Club meeting yesterday to inform members about campaign finance reform and our conservative solutions! This was the first stop in Louisana on our way to Texas for a summer-long tour of the state. TBOR will be making stops in Houston, Dallas, Austin and a few other …
Ted Cruz, AOC have it right on banning former members of Congress from becoming lobbyists
One of the biggest problems in our federal government is the concern about elected officials seeking self-enrichment, leading to motives beyond public service that potentially affect policy choices. A lifetime ban on lobbying would certainly be a strong, positive step. The next step is to stop the revolving door that lets them get rich after …
One state could reshape campaign finance, ethics debate
In the 2020 race for president, South Carolina will, once again, be the place that narrows the field from survivors – those who can simply carry on from Iowa and New Hampshire – to real competitors capable of running national campaigns for their party’s nomination. However, with the ever-expanding race on the Democratic side, the …
One state could reshape campaign finance, ethics debate Read More »
New Hampshire Legislature Calls for Constitutional Amendment on Political Spending
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Jeff Clements, American Promise 617-281-5350 Rep. Ellen Read 352-978-7692 Olivia Zink, Open Democracy 603-661-8621 John Pudner, Take Back Our Republic 334-329-7258 New Hampshire Legislature Calls for Constitutional Amendment on Political Spending With a 14-10 vote, the New Hampshire General Court today became the 20th state legislature to call on Congress …
New Hampshire Legislature Calls for Constitutional Amendment on Political Spending Read More »
Anti-gerrymandering group targets Massachusetts
JOHN PUDNER HAS practically unimpeachable conservative credentials as the political consultant who recruited David Brat to run for Congress in Virginia five years ago, but he says he has left his partisan ambitions behind to work on giving the whole voting public a greater say in the electoral system, and his next target is Massachusetts. In …
Michigan Districts Must be Redrawn
A whopping 34 districts must be redrawn in Michigan per a three-judge panel that ruled the gerrymandered congressional and state legislative seats were unconstitutional. Now, the legislature has until August 1 to submit new maps – that would need the approval of the Republican-controlled legislature AND the Democrat governor, Gretchen Whitmer. Should an agreement not …
Conservative group to push redistricting reform in Massachusetts
A national conservative group focused on government reform says it wants to take on gerrymandering in deeply blue Massachusetts. Alabama-based Take Back Our Republic wants to replace the Legislature’s redistricting process with a nonpartisan commission in the Bay State, with the aim of increasing voters’ access to their elected officials, said John Pudner, the group’s …
Conservative group to push redistricting reform in Massachusetts Read More »
Take Back Our Republic President and Coordinator Talk 28th Amendment in DC
Yesterday on Capitol Hill Take Back Our Republic Board President Francis Johnson, along with New England Regional Chair Jim Rubens spoke to a bipartisan group of legislators about the need for a 28th Amendment. “We need to get dark money out of politics. It stifles free speech” said Board President Francis Johnson during the briefing. …
Take Back Our Republic President and Coordinator Talk 28th Amendment in DC Read More »
Russian and Chinese Political Money Bad; No Matter Which Party Targeted
Most Democrats believe the Russians influenced President Trump’s friend and or family with illicit money. Most Republicans believe the Chinese influenced Vice President Biden’s family with illicit money. All Americans should unite in at least accepting the fact that both countries and many others foreign entities are trying to choose who sets American policy and …
Russian and Chinese Political Money Bad; No Matter Which Party Targeted Read More »
Take Back Makes A Stop In Connecticut
Take Back Our Republic Connecticut coordinator Gregory Byrnes and Executive Director John Pudner met with hundreds of “their closest friends” at the Connecticut State Capitol this Saturday afternoon. They took the message of how pay-for-play politics is the reason politicians take more money from residents. In Connecticut’s case, a toll is being voted on, but the law then …
TBOR New England Chair Speaks at Senate Committee
“Our constitution’s framers crafted history’s most remarkable form of government,” said former Republican state senator Jim Rubens. “But as our framers warned, survival of our republic rests on both active citizenship and trust that our representatives are acting in our best interest. That trust is gone. We need action by Congress to restore it.” Rubens, who …
TBOR New England Chair Speaks at Senate Committee Read More »
Uygur and Pudner Clash on Barr on Largest On-line News Network
The week after Carolina Fox news featured him after Senator Lindsay Graham, TBOR’s Executive Director John Pudner debated Cenk Uygur on the California-based The Young Turks. The 11-minute segment ran on The Young Turks online network which draws 80 million visits a month to rival the biggest traditional networks in the country, and the Wednesday …
Uygur and Pudner Clash on Barr on Largest On-line News Network Read More »
New Hampshire Grassroots Support Continues to Grow
Whoa! Gadzooks! Eureka! Thank you, John Pudner (Monitor Opinion, April 26). In case you missed it, Democrats and Republicans have and should find, something to agree upon in what Pudner has to say. Take the time to read it. Get behind it and support this bill. Let’s get dark money out of our elections and campaigns for …
New Hampshire Grassroots Support Continues to Grow Read More »
Take Back Our Republic ED featured in Concord Monitor
This morning Executive Director John Pudner outlined in New Hampshire’s Concord Monitor why New Hampshire Republicans want limits on political spending. “But entrenched political groups often benefit from the status quo and oppose reform. Even reforms supported by GOP voters. Even reforms that might help GOP candidates, such as improved disclosure of political spending. …
Take Back Our Republic ED featured in Concord Monitor Read More »
Executive Director John Pudner featured on Fox Carolina TV
After concluding an unrelated interview with US Senator Lindsey Graham, Fox Carolina TV asked TBOR Executive Director John Pudner why it was important to bring their conservative solutions for campaign finance reform to Republican leaders in South Carolina. Pudner responded that during his time running the South Carolina call center operation for George W. Bush …
Executive Director John Pudner featured on Fox Carolina TV Read More »
TBOR South Carolina Chapter Keeps Rolling!
Our South Carolina Field Program is recruiting tons of support and volunteers to help clean up corruption in our elections! Our team was working hard at the Greenville County Convention by adding members, spreading awareness, and taking action! Special thanks to our State Coordinator Lars Weichmann and our Upstate Field Director Vance Miller along with …
Guest Op-ed from North Dakota Coordinator Liz Grey Bear
From the desk of Elizabeth Rich Grey Bear The ND Senate Bill 2148 hearing I attended at the North Dakota state capitol in March was striking for me. The one sentence resounding by one of the legislators speaking, I believe it was from a question posed by Josh Boschee, remains key for [TBOR] takeback.org, a …
Guest Op-ed from North Dakota Coordinator Liz Grey Bear Read More »
TBOR Tells Fox News LLCs Worse Than SuperPacs; Quoted by Top European Outlet on Mueller
Fox News and the EU Reporter (rated more influential than the Guardian and equal to the New York Times and WSJ among European officials) both quoted Take Back Our Republic on leading political issues. The Fox News story focused on the charges of Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’ campaign using LLCs to allegedly circumvent campaign laws. Pudner …
TBOR Tells Fox News LLCs Worse Than SuperPacs; Quoted by Top European Outlet on Mueller Read More »
Throwing out Electoral College throws out our republic
“Tuesday, a group of senators led by Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) will introduce an Amendment to abolish the Electoral College. Just last week, Delaware was the latest state to join the push for states allocating all of their electoral college votes to the winner of the national popular vote for presidential elections. A month ago, Colorado passed their own similar bill. There is a …
Throwing out Electoral College throws out our republic Read More »
Unrig Videos: McKinnon on Winning Message, Pudner on Mueller
Take Back Our Republic Founding Chair Mark McKinnon and Executive Director John Pudner presented at the highly successful Unrig the System Summit in Nashville TN this weekend, while other team members met thousands of attendees and Field Director Lars Weichmann spoke to South Carolina Republican groups in a packed few days. McKinnon showed the same …
Unrig Videos: McKinnon on Winning Message, Pudner on Mueller Read More »
RealClearPolitics Quotes TBOR on Donor at Presidential Announcement
(photo courtesy of State Department, full story from Real Clear Politics here. ) RealClear Politics asked Take Back Our Republic about controversial mega donor Angelo Tsakopoulos hosting an event for Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. TBOR does not take positions on which candidates should be supported or opposed by voters. However, this question gave us a chance to make a …
RealClearPolitics Quotes TBOR on Donor at Presidential Announcement Read More »
Take Back ED Quoted in Real Clear Politics
A recurring pay-to-play racket is what concerns John Pudner, executive director of the conservative-leaning campaign finance group Take Back Our Republic. He doesn’t worry about seeing the Lincoln Bedroom turned into an Airbnb. He is more concerned with wealthy donors pulling strings to reduce regulations. That, he told RCP, is a corrupt return on investment, …
Robert Mueller and Jennifer Lawrence Interrupt My Annual March Madness Break
(my Executive Director John Pudner) – My Facebook profile advises all that I am available 24×7 all but one week a year around my birthday and the opening weekend of March Madness – but my birthday this year included issuing a media statement on the Mueller investigation and meeting with Jennifer Lawrence’s group as they did …
Robert Mueller and Jennifer Lawrence Interrupt My Annual March Madness Break Read More »
South Carolina Chapter Continues to Grow
Take Back Our Republics South Carolina chapter and the grassroots campaign continues to grow and gain momentum. Last night Programs Director Justin Hill and South Carolina state coordinator Lars Weichmann attended the Lake Murray Republican Women’s meeting along with guest speaker Senator Ronnie Cromer. Justin and Lars were able to present to everyone in attendance …
2020 Challengers Face Campaign Finance Questions
HR1 just passed the House, offering sweeping campaign finance reform and many other election changes, and while there are some very good provisions, it would also create many problems, not address some of the most pressing ones, and will not pass a Republican Senate prior to the presidential election, which turns the focus to how …
2020 Challengers Face Campaign Finance Questions Read More »
Momentum Continues to Build in South Carolina
Take Back Our Republic coordinator Adam “Vance” Miller was in Greer, South Carolina (a city in both Greenville and Spartanburg Counties) last night talking about our mission at Take Back Our Republic to the Greenville/Spartanburg Republican Women. Later in the night, Vance was also able to get some time with Greenville County GOP Chairman, Nate …
Take Back Our Republic Makes Stops In 4 States
Take Back Our Republic meets with legislators and other opinion leaders in a third Capitol in as many weeks – this time in Harrisburg PA. Time was also spent in Austin, Texas, and Columbus, OH along with a brief non-capitol stop in Charleston, South Carolina to pay respects and attend the funeral of longtime strategist …
Executive Director John Pudner Featured in The Daily Caller
With the public waiting for the release of Robert Mueller’s report, it is worth noting the hypocrisy of many progressive campaign reform advocates who ignore much more obvious pay-for-play politics on the left, a major point when the nation debates whether Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election. Progressives lose credibility if they fail to …
Executive Director John Pudner Featured in The Daily Caller Read More »
TBOR Coordinator Speaks in York County South Carolina
Last night Take Back Our Republic coordinator Lars Wiechman spoke about the founding principles of TBOR and the need to “follow the money” in South Carolina at the York County GOP meeting. Lars also had the chance to speak to South Carolina Lt. Governor Pamela Evette about the many conservative solutions we advocate for at …
TBOR Coordinator Speaks in York County South Carolina Read More »
TBOR Featured in The Auburn Plainsman
On Thursday TBOR was featured in The Auburn Plainsman, the most widely read publication in Auburn, Alabama. You can preview the feature below with a link to the story in its entirety after. In a time of political divide and agenda-driven politics, one Auburn-based group is working to find compromise and put power back in …
Jennifer Lawrence Explains How to Unrig the System
Click below to watch Jennifer Lawrence explain how our system is broken and how to unrig it. You can also hear her speak more on the topic at the upcoming Unrig Summit in Nashville.
Take Back Staff Spends Week in Texas
We had a great time meeting with local supporters in Austin, Texas to discuss the need for transparency and a conservative solution to campaign finance reform. We enjoyed visiting the Texas State Capitol during our stay!
TBOR Staff and Coordinators Stop in Houston
Members of the C Club, the top 100 business leaders in Houston, met with TBOR Executive Director John Pudner and Texas Coordinator John Draper to discuss TBOR proposals. Pudner and Draper then attended Texas Governor Abbott’s State of the State speech for Houston (a follow-up to his speech at the Capitol). You can view the …
HUGE Win! New York Closes LLC Loophole
Since our inception, Take Back Our Republic has identified New York’s LLC loophole as one of the more egregious and non-sensical in the campaign finance arena. Now, the loophole is awaiting the governor’s signature and poised to be no more. Thanks to overwhelming support in the state legislature- inspired by citizens like Take Back Our …
Take Back Our Republic, John Pudner Mourn Passing of Reform Champion Walter Jones
In response to the news of Congressman Walter Jones’ passing, Take Back Our Republic has released the following statement from Executive Director John Pudner, who starting with this 2015 news conference was honored to partner with this iconic public servant in the quest for a more representative government: “Take Back Our Republic joins countless Americans …
Take Back Our Republic, John Pudner Mourn Passing of Reform Champion Walter Jones Read More »
TBOR’s Pudner Stops in New Hampshire to talk HB504 & HB728
Executive Director John Pudner met with New Hampshire supporters on Thursday and ate at a regular stopping place for Presidential candidates, the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester. The diner has been recognized as one of the top 10 diners in the US and is a must stop for anyone seeking the Presidency prior to the …
TBOR’s Pudner Stops in New Hampshire to talk HB504 & HB728 Read More »
Republican Party to Build ActBlue Rival
Perhaps no tool has revolutionized fundraising like ActBlue, the online donation portal that has fueled liberal dominance in the arena. Now, the Grand Ole Party hopes to replicate its success. In the 2018 midterm elections, ActBlue raised $1.66 billion from nearly 5 million unique donors over 42 million contributions. A tool exclusively for the Left, …
Tired of Poisonous Politics? Ranked Choice Voting Could Change the Tone of NH Elections
Everyone complains about negative campaigning. This year, the NH Legislature has a chance to do something about it: adopt “Ranked Choice Voting” for our elections. The House hearing on the bill will be tomorrow, Wednesday, January 30th at 10:00 am – please come to the hearing if you can! Studies show Ranked Choice Voting reduces …
Tired of Poisonous Politics? Ranked Choice Voting Could Change the Tone of NH Elections Read More »
Braun Introduces No Congressional Pay During Shutdown Legislation
The government shutdown is over (for now), but the frustration remains as the increasing partisan gridlock continues to leave ordinary Americans behind. One freshman senator is looking to take a small step toward restoring public trust by introducing “No Budget, No Pay” legislation that will ensure Congress faces the same threat as government employees when …
Braun Introduces No Congressional Pay During Shutdown Legislation Read More »
TBOR Featured in 109th Largest Website in US, Which Passed Drudge & USA Today
Click here for our Executive Director’s oped in the Western Journal. According to Alexa, the master ratings for online traffic, the Western Journal now has more traffic than some of the other outlets on which www.takeback.org has appeared such as the DrudgeReport, Daily Caller, the Hill and Politico, and is fast approaching other outlets that …
TBOR Featured in 109th Largest Website in US, Which Passed Drudge & USA Today Read More »
Liberal ‘dark money’ groups spent more in 2018 than conservative groups
But when it comes to the big-money world of outside spending, over which candidates have little control, it appears that liberal groups had a banner year in 2018. For the first time since the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which struck down campaign spending limitations for corporations and unions, liberal “dark money” groups outspent conservative groups, …
Liberal ‘dark money’ groups spent more in 2018 than conservative groups Read More »
Ranked Choice Voting Comes to Auburn University
When Take Back Our Republic launched and chose the community of Auburn, AL, we were thrilled to be located within a stone’s throw of the school named the most conservative in the country by Princeton Review: https://www.campusreform.org/?ID=4950. Now, Auburn University is making us proud once again as its Student Government Association is set to adopt …
Throwback Thursday: TBOR works Alabama Governor’s Event
Last Thursday Executive Director John Pudner and Programs Director Justin Hill attended Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s PathWay to Careers Summit and worked the crowd spreading the word about Take Back Our Republic’s efforts. John and Justin also ran into Take Back’s Southeast Regional Chair Perry Hooper while leaving the Summit. Take Back plans attend many …
Throwback Thursday: TBOR works Alabama Governor’s Event Read More »
TBOR in NewsMax, from the Golden Globes to College Football
Americans disagree on everything from politics to their entertainment, with one culture built around Hollywood and another around baseball, college football and music from Muscle Shoals. However, NewsMax features a piece by our Executive Director suggesting that Americans who focused on Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards or Monday’s College Football Championship should both find ways to …
TBOR in NewsMax, from the Golden Globes to College Football Read More »
Chevy Chase to Allow Non-Citizens to Vote
At Take Back Our Republic, we want all citizens to be able to vote. We want high voter participation, and we want it to be easy to cast a ballot and impossible to cheat. We want a system that all citizens can feel confident about. But, one Maryland town wants to take it further. Chevy …
RSVP for 1st Take Back Our Republic Meet & Greet of 2019
The first Take Back Our Republic meet & greet of 2019 will be on Tuesday, January 22 from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the home of Jeff and Deborah Miller (2452 Gunster Road, Montgomery AL). Please RSVP to schedule@takeback.org or call Maria at 334.329.7258 if you are in the Montgomery, Alabama area or if …
RSVP for 1st Take Back Our Republic Meet & Greet of 2019 Read More »
Our Last Post of the Year … Please Read Before 2018 Ends!
Just in case you did not get the email 16 hours from the end of 2018 … On the eve of a New Year, we at Take Back Our Republic are so grateful for your support. In 2018, we forced Facebook to disclose the sponsors of political ads and created meaningful redistricting reform in Ohio …
Our Last Post of the Year … Please Read Before 2018 Ends! Read More »
Ex-Governor’s Dark Money Group Raised Big Money
We have previously written extensively about the rise and fall of former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, particularly his use of dark money. Now, we know a little more about A New Missouri, the 501c4 organization built to promote his agenda. Tax filings show that the group raised a whopping $6.1 million from 67 donors. Two …
A Modest Proposal: The Imperative of Replacing the Johnson Amendment
Our campaign finance system could generously be described as an exercise in insanity. Consider the rude reality of a system that allows the elite to dominate our elections yet silences the free speech of local membership organizations. Every election cycle you are subjugated to potentially millions of dollars of Super PAC ads – often funded …
A Modest Proposal: The Imperative of Replacing the Johnson Amendment Read More »
Ohio Considering Raising Standard to Approve Constitutional Amendments
Legislators in Ohio are considering changes to how the Buckeye State approves constitutional amendments. With reform measures increasingly gaining traction at the ballot box, this movement is certainly worth watching. Most notably, the bill would raise the needed vote to approve a constitutional amendment to 60%, joining Illinois and Florida at that threshold. New Hampshire …
Ohio Considering Raising Standard to Approve Constitutional Amendments Read More »
Will Republicans Embrace Campaign Finance Reform?
Federal filings through mid-November, as compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics, show that among donations from the top 25 individual contributors to federal candidates, parties, political action committees, and “527” advocacy groups, $232.9 million went to Republicans and conservatives, and $236.9 million to Democrats and liberals. What about organizational spending? Consider super PACs, those …
Will Republicans Embrace Campaign Finance Reform? Read More »
Report Connects Money Spent at Trump Properties with Presidential Support
President Trump’s significant personal fortune helped galvanize support from those who hoped his business acumen would have a positive effect on the nation’s economy. While those supporters see reasons that to believe their hopes have been validated, others concerned that his wealth would raise doubts about his motivations likewise believe they’ve been proven right. The …
Report Connects Money Spent at Trump Properties with Presidential Support Read More »
Democrats to Tackle Reform with First Bill
After 8 years out of power, Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in the House are hoping the control granted them by the voters in 2018 will be more than just a short-term stint. To that end, they’ve wisely selected an issue that resonates with the American people for their first legislative issue: reform. Rep. John …
John Pudner Key Note Speaker at Wooster Rotary
This past Monday Executive Director John Pudner had the opportunity to speak to a large crowd at the monthly Wooster, Ohio Rotary Club meeting. To listen to John’s speech in its entirety click HERE.
Report Connects Money Spent at Trump Properties with Presidential Support
President Trump’s significant personal fortune helped galvanize support from those who hoped his business acumen would have a positive effect on the nation’s economy. While those supporters see reasons that to believe their hopes have been validated, others concerned that his wealth would raise doubts about his motivations likewise believe they’ve been proven right. The …
Report Connects Money Spent at Trump Properties with Presidential Support Read More »
Pudner Talks Senate Races and Campaign Finance in NewsMax
One of the few issues that could unite people across the Rural vs. Urban and Coasts vs. Middle America chasm is money-in-politics reform, where we helped achieve a great referendum victory for campaign finance reform and an ethics board in North Dakota the same day the state also handed the GOP their most lopsided Senate …
Pudner Talks Senate Races and Campaign Finance in NewsMax Read More »
Trump Could Have Blown Out Clinton with Ranked Choice Voting
Conservatives reading this Washington Post report on the first instant Ranked-Choice Vote (RVC) resulting in the Democrats picking up an extra Congressional seat in Maine may be surprised to hear a judge appointed by Trump provided the strong decision allowing the process. In upholding the law, the Trump appointee states: “…there is no dispute that the …
Trump Could Have Blown Out Clinton with Ranked Choice Voting Read More »
Facebook Faces Ongoing “Censorship” Critique
Very few Americans wanted to see the “status quo” continue on Facebook after the 2016 election cycle, one that saw the social media platform infiltrated and weaponized by opponents to our democracy. As Facebook makes changes, however, it continues to face backlash as those it removes for being “fake news” or “ad farms” cry foul and …
Midterms Break the Bank
The rapid growth of the influence of money in politics continued with the 2018 midterm cycle. An astonishing $5.2 billion was spent on elections that, essentially, resulted in a divided government poised for gridlock over the next 2 years. For conservatives, that money bought, perhaps, the opportunity to confirm more Trump judges. For liberals, that …
Maine’s 2nd Congressional District at Intersection of Reform Issues
For months, money has been pouring into Maine as Democrats hoped to knock off Rep. Bruce Poliquin. In fact, as of November 4th, the state’s 2nd Congressional District had been subject to more than $12 million in outside spending. This represents yet another instance where outside spending outpaced what the candidates themselves were able to …
Maine’s 2nd Congressional District at Intersection of Reform Issues Read More »
Hear the Interview: John Pudner on Wisconsin’s 96.1 WXYM
This morning Executive Director John Pudner joined Craig Otto on Wisconsin’s 96.1 WXYM. During the interview, Pudner cited the gutting of the ethics commission as one of the reasons Republicans lost statewide elections Tuesday after winning everything with a “Drain the Swamp” message in 2016. To listen to the interview in its entirety click below. …
Hear the Interview: John Pudner on Wisconsin’s 96.1 WXYM Read More »
Pudner Talks Campaign Finance with Cenk of TYT
If you missed Executive Director John Pudner’s election day interview with Cenk Uygur on The Young Turks network don’t worry! You can watch the interview and hear John discuss the importance of people over dollars below.
REMINDER: 2:04 PM EST John featured on TYT with Cenk Uygur
Tune in at 2:04 PM EST here to watch John Pudner talk campaign finance reform and election day with Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks.
Pudner On What You Need To Know In North Dakota
Last night Executive Director John Pudner was quoted in the lead story on Fargo’s KVRR, a local Fox affiliate in the state. The story detailed what voters in North Dakota would need to know about the Measures on the ballot today. John’s quote can be read below. “This is the cleanup everyone is crying for …
Accepting the Election Results Despite Illegal and Suppressed Vote
“The alternatives to people accepting an elected government — even in a less-than-perfect process — is much worse than the actual results. Whatever the results Tuesday, I will accept them even as Take Back Our Republic works for conservative political reform to make the next election more democratic so that the republic that has been …
Accepting the Election Results Despite Illegal and Suppressed Vote Read More »
TBOR’s John Pudner featured in NewsMax Prior to Election
“The alternatives to people accepting an elected government — even in a less-than-perfect process — is much worse than the actual results. Whatever the results Tuesday, I will accept them even as Take Back Our Republic works for conservative political reform to make the next election more democratic so that the republic that has been …
TBOR’s John Pudner featured in NewsMax Prior to Election Read More »
Take Back Celebrates Halloween in Auburn
Yesterday afternoon Take Back Our Republic staff celebrated Halloween by passing out candy in downtown Auburn to local youth. Check out some of the fun from last night in the photos below.
The Avenues for Foreign Influence in U.S. Politics
Our friends over at MapLight had a terrific post on ways that foreign money can find its way into and affect U.S. politics. You can read a brief excerpt below and find the full post and infographic outlining the many avenues for foreign influence at MapLight.org “When U.S. media outlets broke the news that groups linked …
The Avenues for Foreign Influence in U.S. Politics Read More »
North Dakota Yes On Measure 1 Push Reaches Theaters, Spouse of Elected, Capitol, Universities
Two years after South Dakota voters approved ethics reform the same day 62 percent voted for President Trump, Take Back Our Republic spends this week in North Dakota urging a yes vote on Measure 1 to establish an ethics commission, ban foreign political contributions, and protecting voters from pay-for-play lobbying and conflicts of interest. Take Back North Dakota …
Ben Sasse Aims to Address “Swampier” Swamp
AUBURN, AL- Two years after a pledge to “Drain the Swamp” became the rallying cry that swept Donald Trump and a host of other Republicans, Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) says things have only gotten worse, saying the swamp is now “swampier.” To validate his claims, Sasse wrote: “In the last 18 months alone, revelations of …
North Dakota “The Big Money Agenda” Screenings
Come and join Take Back Our Republic’s Executive Director John Pudner for a free screening of The Big Money Agenda October 23rd in Fargo and October 24th in Bismarck from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and learn why our Democracy is on the brink. The movie explores why, Americans are sicker than they should be, …
Campaign Rules Needed to Stop Unscrupulous Fundraising Like Avenatti’s
Republicans may be happy to have Avenatti driving Democratic donors to give to the group that enables him to keep half the money for himself in the name of O’Rourke. Even the half of the money he collects in O’Rourke’s name that is passed along is driving money away from the four Senate races where …
Campaign Rules Needed to Stop Unscrupulous Fundraising Like Avenatti’s Read More »
Opinion: Hyper-Partisan Attacks Undermine Real Threats
A credible reform organization alleged an ethics violation against the Trump Administration, and the media was chomping at the bit to run with the story. Outlets like Yahoo, AOL, The Hill, Huffington Post, Newsweek, and others all covered the story leading with the likelihood of a Hatch Act offense. Except, respectfully, the issue really wasn’t …
Opinion: Hyper-Partisan Attacks Undermine Real Threats Read More »
Take Back Featured in North Dakota Politico Story
President Donald Trump promised to “drain the swamp” by cracking down on Washington lobbying. This year, a group calling itself the Badass Grannies is trying to convince North Dakota voters to take matters into their own hands. Behind the efforts are national progressive groups, including the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, and conservatives, such as Take …
Take Back Featured in North Dakota Politico Story Read More »
NewsMax TV features Take Back Our Republic
Wednesday NewsMax TV featured www.takeback.org Executive Director John Pudner during America Talks Live with John Cardillo and Dr. Gina Loudon. Click here to watch the episode, and NewsMax can be watched live via TV (DirecTV: Channel 349, Dish: Channel 216, Verizon FiOS: Channel 115, Channel 615, AT&T U-verse: Channel 1220, or Galaxy 14: 3900 V / 29079 / 5/6). …
NewsMax Features Post With TBOR Statement on Kavanaugh
NewsMax featured John Pudner along with Alan Dershowitz, Ron Paul, Scott Rasmussen and Other Conservative Leaders Monday. Click here for the post, which concludes with Back Our Republic’s statement on Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court: “We congratulate Brett Kavanaugh on being confirmed to the United States Supreme Court and President Trump on successfully placing …
NewsMax Features Post With TBOR Statement on Kavanaugh Read More »
Opinion: Leadership PAC Loophole Must End
AUBURN, AL- As campaign finance scandals grab news, we support an effort to end a loophole that allows similar violations to occur via “Leadership PACs” which the FEC currently does not scrutinize for personal use expenses. As this outstanding Washington Post article (https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2018/09/25/leadership-pacs-are-campaign-finance-scandal/?utm_term=.51946bc49d5a) notes, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) likely would have not been in trouble …
Nike has Political Leanings… to the Right?
AUBURN, AL- Your ultra conservative friends on Facebook- you know, the ones posting pictures of themselves burning their shoes- may now hate Nike for its recent advertising, but the apparel company’s political leanings may surprise many. When including the contributions of its co-founder, Phil Knight, Nike has given more than 3 times as much money …
Montana Senate Debate Focuses on Money in Politics
Saturday’s Montana PBS US Senate Debate started with the topic of the day, the Kavanaugh nomination, but ended up focusing on money in politics in a state that could decide the Senate majority. By the time the “Dark Money” segment of the debate started at the 46:41 mark moderators John Twiggs and Anna Rau noted …
Montana Senate Debate Focuses on Money in Politics Read More »
West Virginia Introduces Voting App for Overseas Military
AUBURN, AL- Citizens of West Virginia currently serving in our military overseas now have the option of casting a ballot using a blockchain-enabled voting app for the critical mid-term elections. West Virginia will be one of the more watched states around the country due to a somewhat competitive U.S. Senate race. The app was created …
West Virginia Introduces Voting App for Overseas Military Read More »
Transparency Victory on Capitol Hill
Executive Director John Pudner is on Capitol Hill after a great victory for transparency, and in support of HR1341 to cut off foreign infiltration in our elections through massive unverified credit card contributions. He is pictured above Tuesday morning with Kevin Kosar of RStreet, one of our fasted growing allies, at a forum on the …
Senate candidates will finally E-file campaign finance reports
U.S. Senate candidates will begin electronically filing their campaign finance reports in October thanks to a provision contained in an appropriations bill signed into law today by President Donald Trump. The provision — supported by a bipartisan majority of sitting senators and broad coalition of more than 20 advocacy organizations led by Issue One — was first introduced in …
Senate candidates will finally E-file campaign finance reports Read More »
Georgia Maintains Current Voting System Ahead of November Election
AUBURN, AL- Election officials in Georgia breathed a sigh of relief when federal Judge Amy Totenberg denied a request for an injunction that would force the state to switch to paper ballots mere weeks before early voting begins October 15th. The state was being sued due to fears of the insecurity of the touchscreen voting …
Georgia Maintains Current Voting System Ahead of November Election Read More »
Outlet Reports Potential FEC Action to Stop Politicians Personal Use of Funds
When the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) ruled in favor of our sister organization (Take Back Action Fund) and the Campaign Legal Center that Facebook must disclose who paid for political ads, it was a rare victory for anti-corruption efforts. Now McClatchy reports another potential breakthrough, with the FEC considering no longer allowing Members to use Leadership …
Outlet Reports Potential FEC Action to Stop Politicians Personal Use of Funds Read More »
Culture of Corruption in New York
AUBURN, AL- When it comes to corruption, New York’s problems have been very much on the surface. Former leaders from both parties and each house in the legislature have been convicted on corruption charges. At least 3 allies of the governor, including his closest aide, fall into the same category. While these have been headline-grabbing …
Take Back Our Republic Announces Support for Ban on Members Serving on Boards
Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) and Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY) have taken the initiative to introduce legislation that would ban members of Congress from serving on the boards of publicly held companies. The new rule would mirror the Senate rule 37.6(a) which currently lacks a House equivalent. Reed and Rice issued the following joint statement: “We …
Take Back Our Republic Announces Support for Ban on Members Serving on Boards Read More »
Take Back Our Republic Remembers 9/11
“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” – George W. Bush #NeverForget
Accountability Groups Back Boards Ban for Lawmakers
Government accountability groups are backing a resolution, to prohibit members of Congress from serving on the boards of publicly held companies. Thirteen groups sent a letter this week to House lawmakers in support of a resolution introduced in August by GOP Rep. Tom Reed and Democratic Rep. Kathleen Rice. In response to the indictment of their fellow New Yorker Chris Collins, …
Accountability Groups Back Boards Ban for Lawmakers Read More »
Senator Sasse Comments on Corrupting Money in Politics
Click here for the video of Senator Ben Sasse’s interview including his quote, “I came here because I want to drain the swamp. I don’t care whether the Congressman who is doing insider trading or embezzling campaign funds or is indicted for this or that. I don’t care whether they wear a blue or red …
Senator Sasse Comments on Corrupting Money in Politics Read More »
Recode Looks at Silicon Valley Donors “Flooding the System” with Cash
AUBURN, AL- In what is certainly an interesting read, Recode.net put together a listing of the burgeoning liberal donor class in Silicon Valley. Among the interesting notes are the nuanced ways Silicon Valley donors are looking to leverage their expertise. Some are loaning staff members to left-leaning organizations to improve their use of technology, some …
Recode Looks at Silicon Valley Donors “Flooding the System” with Cash Read More »
Measure Limiting Campaign Contributions to Hit Portland Ballots
AUBURN, AL- Most Americans would be surprised to know that liberal bastion Oregon has among the nation’s most permissive campaign finance laws in the country. Individuals, PACs, parties, and unions are able to give unlimited sums to candidates. But, Portland voters have the opportunity to change that locally as they consider a measure that reforms …
Measure Limiting Campaign Contributions to Hit Portland Ballots Read More »
McCain Made Campaign Finance Reform A Years-Long Mission
“He just called me up out of the blue,” said Russell Feingold, new to Washington as a freshman Democratic senator from Wisconsin. “He said, ‘You seem to have a good record. Would you like to work with me?’ And I said ‘yeah.’ So I never knew exactly why he chose that moment to do it, …
McCain Made Campaign Finance Reform A Years-Long Mission Read More »
Unverified ActBlue Tops $1 Billion for 2018 Cycle
AUBURN, AL- No organization does more to open the doors for foreign financial influence than liberal donation portal ActBlue. Recently, the group announced that it had collected more than $1 billion in online donations this election cycle. While we acknowledge the legality of their actions (a gaping loophole we are working to fix), the ongoing …
Unverified ActBlue Tops $1 Billion for 2018 Cycle Read More »
Hawkings: 5 Reasons why Congress is Dysfunctional
AUBURN, AL- In a recent article, David Hawkings, the editor of Congressional Quarterly and Roll Call since 1995, laid out the 5 reasons for the malaise the afflicts the United States Congress. While we may not agree with all of his points, it was nonetheless interesting that his first two coincided with issues Take Back …
Hawkings: 5 Reasons why Congress is Dysfunctional Read More »
Pudner Quoted in the New York Times
“Love or hate Trump, I think the moment he stood on stage and said ‘Give politicians money and they’ll do whatever you want,’ was the beginning of his upward trajectory,” said John Pudner of Take Back Our Republic, a conservative group dedicated to reducing the political influence of corporations, unions and other special interest groups. Executive Director …
North Dakota Coordinator Lays Out Need For Reform
Imagine one of our legislators telling a lobbyist that they aren’t interested in lunch, but I will accept that bribe instead of lunch with you? Our state like Arizona, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho and New Mexico have no ethics commission for watchdog oversight on bribery with penalty, violation of disclosures, false statements, foreign donors, …
North Dakota Coordinator Lays Out Need For Reform Read More »
Executive Director John Pudner Speaks in South Dakota
On July 19th Executive Director John Pudner was a special guest speaker at the Elk Creek Club in Rapid City, South Dakota. To listen to John’s speech click the link below.
BREAKING NEWS: Michigan Supreme Court Allows Gerrymandering Vote
Many Michiganders who learned about the effort to deny them a vote to end gerrymandering from our widely read op-ed, education paper or first Facebook Post to reach more than 100,000 organically – learned late Tuesday night they will get to vote. The Detroit Free Press, the newspaper with more than twice the circulation of the …
BREAKING NEWS: Michigan Supreme Court Allows Gerrymandering Vote Read More »
TBOR Gerrymandering White Paper
Gerrymandering Solutions By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- There’s a lot to dislike about gerrymandering. It’s unfair. It protects those in power. It silences and disenfranchises a large number of Americans. The reality: gerrymandering means less choice, more entrenched power, and the idea of “foregone conclusions” that runs counter to the very idea of democracy. Gerrymandering …
Detroit Free Press Op-Ed by TBOR ED on Crucial Gerrymandering Decision
Take Back Executive Director John Pudner shared two Detroit Free Press posts today. The largest newspaper in Michigan’s 245,326 print copy readers was more than the second and third biggest newspapers combined (Detroit News 146,962 and Grand Rapids Press 97,822) before counts went exclusively to the much larger online readerships. The sports section celebrated the …
Detroit Free Press Op-Ed by TBOR ED on Crucial Gerrymandering Decision Read More »
Time to End Gerrymandering
Democrats rig voting maps when they’re in power, so it’s no surprise that Republicans do it too. But no matter which party is rigging our elections, it hurts Americans and undermines our fundamental right to choose our politicians. To read the article from TheHill on gerrymandering in Michigan click here.
Alaskans Made Government Accountable To The People
Alaskans set out to make their government more accountable to the people—and it just worked. The Alaska Legislature raised the bar for ethics and integrity in government by passing HB 44. The bill passed the Senate 13-6 and the House 39-1 with support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, and Governor Bill Walker just signed it …
Alaskans Made Government Accountable To The People Read More »
North Dakota Anti-Corruption Amendment Makes Nov. Ballot
North Dakota Anti-Corruption Amendment Certified for Ballot BISMARCK, ND – North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger certified the North Dakota Anti-Corruption Amendment for the November ballot. North Dakotans for Public Integrity, the nonpartisan group sponsoring the amendment, collected 38,451 petition signatures, far more than the 26,904 valid signatures required. The Secretary of …
North Dakota Anti-Corruption Amendment Makes Nov. Ballot Read More »
The Drive Against Gerrymandering
The movement to take politics out of setting legislative district boundaries seemed to suffer a grievous, and perhaps even mortal, blow this spring when the Supreme Court passed up three chances to declare partisan gerrymandering unconstitutional. But it turns out that reports of its death are exaggerated. As federal courts dither over how to resolve …
US political spending getting more secretive with IRS change
Political spending in the U.S. is about to become even more secretive after the IRS this week dropped a requirement that many nonprofits have to provide lists of their major donors. John Pudner, executive director of Take Back Our Republic, a conservative group that calls for election spending transparency, has been pushing for regulations on …
US political spending getting more secretive with IRS change Read More »
TBOR Campaigns in North Dakota And Congratulates Tuesday’s (Unnamed) Alabama Winners
Take Back Our Republic congratulates all the nominees selected in the primary in our home state of Alabama tonight. We will not mention names in this post since we must be careful not to promote candidates as they enter the general election – but Executive Director John Pudner’s former employer the Alabama Farmers Federation scored …
TBOR Campaigns in North Dakota And Congratulates Tuesday’s (Unnamed) Alabama Winners Read More »
John Pudner on North Dakota Radio KFGO
Earlier today Executive Director John Pudner joined Tyler Axness on Fargo’s KFGO to discuss the North Dakota Anti-corruption Act along with other campaign finance reform concerns and how foreign money can be funneled into our elections. To listen to the interview in its entirety click below.
Pudner talks Supreme Court, NRA, and Planned Parenthood
The hatred of — and love for — the NRA and Planned Parenthood will drive much of nastiness of the upcoming secret money political campaign to win or stop a decisive 50th Senate vote (from West Virginia, North Dakota, Indiana, Alaska, or Maine) for Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee. One Supreme Court judge could reverse cases …
Pudner talks Supreme Court, NRA, and Planned Parenthood Read More »
Charities Increasingly an Outlet for Political Giving
AUBURN, AL- Charitable giving, in an ideal world, should be a completely a-political outlet for funds. Sadly, new research shows that many are circumventing campaign finance laws by aiming to influence policy through charitable giving. An outstanding paper by the National Bureau of Economic Research can be found here: http://www.nber.org/papers/w24451. This research says that 7.1% …
Charities Increasingly an Outlet for Political Giving Read More »
Steyer Props up Struggling Dem Candidate
AUBURN, AL- The idea that “one person can make a difference” is something we all want to believe in. Unfortunately, instead of the “anyone can make a difference” concept that inspires hope, we are seeing that the “one person” really means “only a superrich individual,” a sad reality that shows how broken our system truly …
Why Bother? Controlled “Nonprofits” Make Mockery of Campaign Finance Laws
AUBURN, AL- There is a reason 501c4 organizations exist, and we do not want to paint all with a broad brush. In a pluralistic society, it is natural that organizations that speak to specific issues would exist, and it is understandable why some donors would value both the anonymity and unlimited capacity that the entities …
Why Bother? Controlled “Nonprofits” Make Mockery of Campaign Finance Laws Read More »
Facebook Making (Awkward) Strides Toward Eliminating Foreign Influence
AUBURN, AL- File this under the header “Well, at least they are trying.” As Facebook bolsters its efforts to eliminate foreign entities from advertising politically, it is finding plenty of challenges. In response to the justified heat over Facebook’s failure to police Russian influence on its platform, the social media site is now requiring those …
Facebook Making (Awkward) Strides Toward Eliminating Foreign Influence Read More »
Maine Becomes 1st State to Use Ranked Choice Voting Statewide
AUBURN, AL- Earlier this month, Maine became the first state to utilize ranked choice voting for a statewide election. Despite opposition from the current governor, the process seems to have gone relatively smoothly. While businessman Shawn Moody won the Republican gubernatorial primary with 56% of the vote, Democrats needed to wait 8 days while the …
Maine Becomes 1st State to Use Ranked Choice Voting Statewide Read More »
Executive Director John Pudner Joins the Rob (re)Port
Take Back’s Executive Director John Pudner joined Rob Port of Fargo based radio station WDAY’s Rob (re)Port to discuss the North Dakota Anti-Corruption Amendment. To listen to Johns full discussion with one of the amendments biggest detractors click below.
Poll Results Announced: Intense Support for 3 Reform Issues
For Release Saturday, June 23 Noon ET, 11 a.m. CT Contact: Justinh@takeback.org 404.606.3163 Poll Results Announced: Intense Support for 3 Reform Issues Bismarck, ND – Pollsters featured by www.realclearpolitics.com measure intense nationwide support for three reform measures – the “Stop Foreign Donations Affecting Our Elections Act,” a 28th Constitutional Amendment in response to Citizens United, and …
Poll Results Announced: Intense Support for 3 Reform Issues Read More »
Director of Compliance Job Posting
Organization Overview: Take Back Our Republic (TBOR) is a $1MM+, eight-person non-profit educating the public on conservative solutions for campaign finance reform. Their mission is to become the leading organization in developing a culture in politics where character and ideas are the basis of being elected and that every election is financed with transparency by …
Take Back’s John Pudner featured in Newsmax
The vast majority of Americans are fed up and want the FixIt America approach of ending overt gerrymandering and secret political payments that let politicians choose their voters rather than the other way around. The good news is the same computer programs that enabled partisans to draw ridiculous districts that leave voters hours from their “representatives” can …
Take Back in Missouri for Flag Day
Our Executive Director John Pudner spent Flag Day with supporters in Springfield Missouri. Special thanks to Dr. Scott Magill and his staff for sharing the video below with us.
Chao on This: DOT Secretary Providing Free Advertising for Father
AUBURN, AL- The Trump Administration has committed to draining the swamp, but many of its cabinet officials do not seem to have gotten the memo. Elaine Chao, the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, has been a fixture in DC for decades. She currently as the Secretary of Transportation. Since taking that post, Chao …
Chao on This: DOT Secretary Providing Free Advertising for Father Read More »
EPA Chief: Fetch me my Food
AUBURN, AL- Bad reports continue to mount for EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. Now, it involves him using his staff as a food delivery service. Four sources familiar with how the office functions told Daily Beast that Pruitt sent subordinates out frequently for both health and junk food. “I can’t tell you how many times I …
All States Should Review and Adopt Ranked Choice Voting
Despite the poorly written headline in the Hill (Top finisher in San Francisco mayor’s race trails due to ranked voting), this story and the comments from readers give a great example of why all states should adopt ranked choice voting. We do not have in-depth knowledge of the candidates in this race, but the dynamics …
All States Should Review and Adopt Ranked Choice Voting Read More »
Sources: Exiting Congressman Used Staff for Personal Gain
AUBURN, AL- At Take Back Our Republic, we have taken a strong stand against elected officials using their office for personal gain. Recently, Politico outlined an unnerving case involving Congressman Tom Garrett, his wife, and their usage of congressional staff. Garrett, who currently represents Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, announced recently that he was not seeking …
Sources: Exiting Congressman Used Staff for Personal Gain Read More »
Salam: Saving GOP May Require Campaign Finance Reform
AUBURN, AL- Though campaign finance reform has been a political hot potato- talked about but given little-concentrated attention by either major party, we at Take Back Our Republic have long articulated that those who take up the issue will see a political advantage come their way. Reihan Salam, of The Atlantic, wrote a compelling piece …
Salam: Saving GOP May Require Campaign Finance Reform Read More »
Missourians Say “Good Riddance” to Eric Greitens
AUBURN, AL- Eric Greitens road an anti-Establishment wave to the Governor’s Mansion in Missouri. A political outsider, he came out of nowhere to become the “Show-Me” state’s chief executive, and many saw him as a rising star. Not so much. It didn’t take long for Greitens’ true colors to be revealed as he set …
Missourians Say “Good Riddance” to Eric Greitens Read More »
Tracking Koch Money in 2018
AUBURN, AL- The Koch Brothers are certainly on the Left’s list of “Villains we Love to Hate.” While liberals love attacking this speck in the eye of conservatives while ignoring the planks in their own (such as George Soros and Tom Steyer), we too have had our disagreements with the Kochs. As conservatives, we share …
Newly released Facebook ads show Russian trolls targeted Mexican-Americans after Trump election
This will never be a solved problem because we’re up against determined, creative and well-funded adversaries. But we are making steady progress,” Facebook said. Facebook said last fall that 11 million people saw the 3,000 ads that were purchased by the Internet Research Agency. However, more than 120 million Americans may have been exposed to regular …
Top News Source for North Carolina Leaders Announces TBOR
Every time John Pudner walked in a legislative office this week in North Carolina, the legislators volunteered that they already knew about him and his mention from the Insider. Colin Campbell’s updates. We thank him for letting us post this article and encourage anyone who has any dealings with North Carolina government or politics to …
Top News Source for North Carolina Leaders Announces TBOR Read More »
Donors an Issue in Democrat’s 2020 Invisible Primary
AUBURN, AL- We can’t see it yet, but the primary for the Democrat Party’s nomination is in full swing. And, following a cycle where Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump leveraged concerns over big money to surpass expectation, sources of campaign funds has become an early source of differentiation. Sen. Kamala Harris, an early frontrunner from …
Donors an Issue in Democrat’s 2020 Invisible Primary Read More »
Take Back’s John Pudner on the Chad Adams Show
Earlier this morning Take Back Our Republic’s Executive Director John Pudner was a featured guest on one of North Carolina’s most popular conservative radio outlets The Chad Adams Show. If you’d like to hear John with Chad about the need for more transparency when it comes to campaign finance and the need for redistricting reform …
Take Back’s John Pudner on the Chad Adams Show
Earlier this morning Take Back Our Republic’s Executive Director John Pudner was a featured guest on one of North Carolina’s most popular conservative radio outlets The Chad Adams Show. If you’d like to hear John with Chad about the need for more transparency when it comes to campaign finance and the need for redistricting reform …
Take Back’s John Pudner meets with Virginia Senator Chase
Monday morning Take Back Executive Director John Pudner met with Senator Amanda Chase, who like John previously worked to elect U.S. Congressman Dave Brat before being elected her self to the Virginia state senate. Pudner thanks Amanda for her leadership role in introducing measures to create greater transparency, reform gerrymandering, and campaign finance reform since …
Take Back’s John Pudner meets with Virginia Senator Chase Read More »
Is New York Really the “Standard”?
AUBURN, AL- Earlier this year, the Campaign Finance Institute testified to their study on New York’s matching program- where public funds are used to encourage small-dollar donors. This program has been called the national “standard.” Well, according to the study, there are “red flags” that should tamper enthusiasm about such efforts. CFI Executive Director Michael …
2-Week Lone Star-Buckeye Shuttle Concludes in Dallas
DALLAS – Meg Bartos (center of photo above) kindly invited us to wrap up our two weeks of shuttling between Ohio and Texas with a well-attended event at her Kanju Interiors in Dallas. To her far left are Take Back Our Republic Texas Coordinator Patricia Embry, then her husband Blair. To Meg’s right is a …
2-Week Lone Star-Buckeye Shuttle Concludes in Dallas Read More »
Close Door to Foreign Campaign Money, Open It To Reform
ActBlue is the one vendor who continues to add to the billions of dollars sent to candidates through unverified gift or credit card contributions, an open invitation for foreign interests to subvert U.S. laws. Now it turns out they are also sending questionable contributions that break campaign limits from liberal activist Rosie O’Donnell. Once Take …
Close Door to Foreign Campaign Money, Open It To Reform Read More »
3rd Election the Charm! Ohioans Vote 1,158,492 to 389,731 to End Gerrymandering
COLUMBUS, OH – During the year Ohio voted to re-elect President Obama by a 51% to 48% margin, voters rejected redistricting reform for the second time. After shifting 11-points more “red” to support President Trump by a 51% to 43% margin, voters also reversed on redistricting reform tonight for an incredible 74% to 26% margin voting …
3rd Election the Charm! Ohioans Vote 1,158,492 to 389,731 to End Gerrymandering Read More »
Mick Mulvaney’s Stunning Admission and the Dark Money Now Targeting Him
AUBURN, AL- It was weird hearing someone say it out loud. OMB Director and Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Mick Mulvaney gave voice to the open secret in Washington that “pay to play” is a real thing with a recent stunning admission: “If you were a lobbyist who never gave us money, …
Mick Mulvaney’s Stunning Admission and the Dark Money Now Targeting Him Read More »
Potential Presidential Candidate Changes Tune on Corporate Contributions
AUBURN, AL- When the American people vote for president in November 2020, Bernie Sanders will be 79 years old- a number that makes a second bid for the White House a notion that is not a foregone conclusion. So, that leaves his wing of the Party desperately searching for candidates that will take up his …
Potential Presidential Candidate Changes Tune on Corporate Contributions Read More »
Arizona Considering “Dirty Money” Ban
AUBURN, AL- Arizona has become a hotbed for “dark money” in recent years. Now, a campaign aimed at what they are calling “dirty money” is underway with the hopes of requiring more disclosure. According to The Republic, $27.3 million was spent in the 2014 election by outside groups- with $12 million being spent in the …
8 Days to Stop ACLU & Gerrymandering Debacle Starting in Ohio
8 DAYS LEFT! Email justinh@takeback.org or call 334.329.7258 to counter the ACLU’s efforts to block gerrymandering reform. If the ACLU is successful in Ohio, prepare for nasty multi-million campaigns to elect extreme Supreme Court judges to take over redistricting state-by-state. See our Facebook post on the phoning or mailing efforts you can join today. We …
8 Days to Stop ACLU & Gerrymandering Debacle Starting in Ohio Read More »
Director of Development Position Available
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Auburn, Alabama BACKGROUND Take Back Our Republic (TBOR) is a $1MM+, eight-person non-profit educating the public on conservative solutions for campaign finance reform. Their mission is to become the leading organization in developing a culture in politics where character and ideas are the basis of being …
Special Interests Went Down to Georgia; They Were Looking for a Relative to Hire
AUBURN, AL- At Take Back Our Republic, we have written that Washington, DC is the largest- but certainly not the only- swamp around the nation. Atlanta, not far from our Auburn headquarters, showcased its swampiness as its session wound down in late March. The issue, installing traffic cameras in school zones, has some merit- …
Special Interests Went Down to Georgia; They Were Looking for a Relative to Hire Read More »
Former FEC Chair: $130,000 Payment Not a Violation, Didn’t Help Campaign
AUBURN, AL- As speculation swirls regarding President Trump’s attorney Michael Cohen and the raid that took place on his records, pontification over whether the $130,000 payment he made to Stormy Daniels could be ruled a campaign finance violation has exploded. Most, including us here at Take Back, have expressed concern- though it remains to …
Former FEC Chair: $130,000 Payment Not a Violation, Didn’t Help Campaign Read More »
Executive Director John Pudner featured on American Promise National Call
Take Back ED John Pudner was a special guest this past Saturday on our ally organization American Promise’s national call. You can listen to the entire call here.
Foundation Money from Foreign Governments Under Scrutiny
AUBURN, AL- In 2015 and 2016, the Clinton Foundation and money it received from foreign governments were, rightfully, under intense scrutiny. Now, the Trump Foundation is being investigated in the ongoing Mueller probe. Reports suggest that a $150,000 donation from a Ukrainian steel magnate, Victor Pinchuk to the foundation has caught Mueller’s attention. In return, …
Foundation Money from Foreign Governments Under Scrutiny Read More »
Zuckerberg’s False Promise: Offer of Disclaimers was Compelled by Loss to Take Back Our Republic
AUBURN, AL- With all eyes on Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook CEO has offered to enforce disclaimers on political advertising. That’s good. Voters deserve to know who is paying for any ad, including those on Facebook. BUT, Zuckerberg’s false promise rings hollow. You see, last year, our sister organization Take Back Action Fund brought a case …
Payments Stopped for Phony Committee Chairs
AUBURN, AL- Like other states, New York compensates its legislative committee chairs more than other members. That’s fine… provided those receiving the additional compensation actually are committee chairmen. One would think that such a clear distinction would lead allow for little obfuscation, but 5 New York senators attempted to leverage their unpaid position as vice …
RepresntUS Josh Silver talks gerrymandering
Thankfully, we’re beginning to see real reform emerge on this issue. With the landmark case Gill v. Whitford, as well as partisan congressional maps struck down in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, we’re seeing movement towards redistricting laws that are fair and equitable. Nearly three-quarters of Americans across the political spectrum favor the Supreme Court setting limits on …
Executive Director John Pudner featured in The Hill
We now have a ridiculous system under which huge sums of secret money can be funneled into U.S. elections from anywhere in the world through unverified credit card contributions, LLCs or other means — while a young pastor or rabbi could cost their place of worship their tax status by talking about the relevance of a …
Executive Director John Pudner featured in The Hill Read More »
Schweizer Highlights McConnell-Chao Enrichment Efforts Part 2
AUBURN, AL- After highlighting Peter Schweizer’s commentary on Mitch McConnell and his wife, Elaine Chao, last week, a major political commentator is offering his insights. The original piece we covered can be found here: https://nypost.com/2018/03/17/how-mcconnell-and-chao-used-political-power-to-make-their-family-rich/amp/?__twitter_impression=true. Now, Erick Erickson is telling his tale of how power was used to keep him off Fox News. The conservative …
Schweizer Highlights McConnell-Chao Enrichment Efforts Part 2 Read More »
Ex-French President Sarkozy Arrested Over Major Campaign Finance Violations
AUBURN, AL- Campaign finance issues are an international problem. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been arrested over allegations that he took £42million in illegal campaign contributions from deceased Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Elected to a single 5-year term in 2007, Sarkozy is alleged to have been in negotiations with the dictator since 2005. The …
Ex-French President Sarkozy Arrested Over Major Campaign Finance Violations Read More »
Take Back named one of 6 groups changing politics
“Part of what we are doing at Bridge Alliance is trying to help people be aware of all of these different layers that need to be worked on simultaneously,” said Bridge Alliance Co-Director Debilyn Molineaux, in an interview for IVN. Several “member” organizations of Bridge Alliance could not be further apart in their individual goals, but they …
Take Back named one of 6 groups changing politics Read More »
Schweizer Highlights McConnell-Chao Enrichment Efforts
AUBURN, AL- Peter Schweizer, a tremendous author, researcher, and friend of Take Back Our Republic, has a new book, “Secret Empires: How the American Political Class Hides Corruption and Enriches Family and Friends.” A New York Post article examines Schweizer’s look at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his wife, Elaine Chao, who also serves …
Schweizer Highlights McConnell-Chao Enrichment Efforts Read More »
A weak FEC really contributes to filling the swamp, not draining it.
More than a year into his presidency, President Trump has shown little interest in beefing up the Federal Election Commission, the agency that could serve as a key player in his avowed agenda to reduce the influence of moneyed interests on politics. So far, Trump has nominated just one new commissioner to fill the two …
A weak FEC really contributes to filling the swamp, not draining it. Read More »
New Opportunity to Use Technology to Secure Military Voting Rights
AUBURN, AL- At Take Back Our Republic, a central component of our vision is more participation. We want more people engaged, knowledgeable, voting, and contributing time and effort to make certain that their representation reflects their aspirations. While this is a priority across the board- for every voter, from every state, every ideology, and every …
New Opportunity to Use Technology to Secure Military Voting Rights Read More »
Basketball? TBOR Selected Top 68 Schools Based on Student Sign-ups
AUBURN – Oh, they were picking 68 schools based on basketball? Sunday we picked them based on student involvement. As the NCAA committee unveiled the 68 schools who would compete in the billion-dollar “March Madness” tournament, Take Back Our Republic unveiled the top schools as represented by update sign-ups. Which student body is most engaged …
Basketball? TBOR Selected Top 68 Schools Based on Student Sign-ups Read More »
Powerful Coalition Launches Campaign to Challenge Two-Party Politics
Unfortunately, our political ecosystem is infected at all levels, producing a party-controlled, special interest-driven, unrepresentative governance, which we see at the state and federal levels. Bridge Alliance is launching #HealthyGov in order to raise awareness of the problems we face, and what its “member” organizations are doing to promote a healthier democratic process and government. …
Powerful Coalition Launches Campaign to Challenge Two-Party Politics Read More »
New Mexico Passes Anti-Foreign Influence Bill Based on TBOR Educational Paper
As reported in the Sante Fe New Mexican, legislation based on a Take Back educational paper was passed in the New Mexico legislature and signed by Governor Susana Martinez. “SB 50, sponsored by Sen. Cisco McSorley, D-Albuquerque, and Albuquerque Republicans Reps. Jim Dine and Bill Rehm, closes what campaign finance reform advocates call a “credit …
New Mexico Passes Anti-Foreign Influence Bill Based on TBOR Educational Paper Read More »
More than Impeachment: Steyer Now Funding Soros-Founded Immigrant PAC
AUBURN, AL- Liberal mega-donor Tom Steyer continues to expand his profile ahead of a possible 2020 presidential run. The largest donor of the 2016 election cycle, he has already increased his national footprint with an 8-figure ad campaign aimed at impeaching President Trump. With ads featuring himself on camera, it is fair to speculate whether …
More than Impeachment: Steyer Now Funding Soros-Founded Immigrant PAC Read More »
NYT: Cuomo Taking in Major Money from Appointees
AUBURN, AL- A rivalry is deepening in New York where Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio may have aspirations for the Democratic nomination in 2020. An early wedge issue between the two seems to be emerging as campaign finance reform. Previously, we wrote that Cuomo called some of de Blasio’s reform plans “dead …
NYT: Cuomo Taking in Major Money from Appointees Read More »
Rasmussen Calls for Fundamental Reform
AUBURN, AL- Scott Rasmussen, a highly respected pollster, author, and commentator, has joined the chorus in calling for sweeping reform to our election system. The founder of Rasmussen Reports was already well-known but saw his credibility increase all-the-more as perhaps the pollster most bullish on Donald Trump’s 2016 chances. Citing the court ruling which shakes …
Take Back at CPAC: Fox News, Joy Villa, Longtime CNN Commentator
Fox News viewers saw Take Back Executive Director John Pudner during the Thursday morning onsite report from CPAC by Peter Doocy (first photo below). Pudner and Take Back President and Board Chair Francis Johnson also met with singer Princess Joy Villa (top photo), a donor and supporter of Take Back whose conservative dress at the …
Take Back at CPAC: Fox News, Joy Villa, Longtime CNN Commentator Read More »
Take Back at CPAC: Fox News, Joy Villa, Longtime CNN Commentator
Fox News viewers saw Take Back Executive Director John Pudner during the Thursday morning onsite report from CPAC by Peter Doocy (first photo below). Pudner and Take Back President and Board Chair Francis Johnson also met with singer Princess Joy Villa (top photo), a donor and supporter of Take Back whose conservative dress at the …
Take Back at CPAC: Fox News, Joy Villa, Longtime CNN Commentator Read More »
De Blasio Calls for New York to be “Fairest City”
AUBURN, AL- In his fifth state of the city address, New York Mayor Bill De Blasio called for the Big Apple to become the nation’s “fairest city” as he pushed for campaign finance reform.[1] The mayor, who is a possible contender for the White House in 2020, also pushed for a millionaire’s tax that Governor …
De Blasio Calls for New York to be “Fairest City” Read More »
CAUGHT! ProPublica Captures DNC Non-Compliant Ad After Victory vs. Facebook
Legal note: Take Back Action Fund (classified by the IRS as a 501c4) was set up by our organization Take Back Our Republic (a 501c3), but is governed separately. While the request to the FEC referenced was made by that 501c4, the basic theme of support for transparency by Facebook and other organizations made this a …
CAUGHT! ProPublica Captures DNC Non-Compliant Ad After Victory vs. Facebook Read More »
Take Back Our Republic State Coordinators
Volunteer Coordinators help Take Back Our Republic educate the public regarding how to clean up the swamp in their own state. If you would like to join your state chapter or an ideological coalition – or start a new group – contact the office at 334.329.7258 and we will help move the effort forward. The …
Take Back Our Republic Board Elects Three New Members; Johnson As President
The Take Back Our Republic Board of Directors met in New Orleans February 3, and elected Francis Johnson to a full year term as President, and elected three new members to their first full-year terms. Johnson splits time between Washington DC and San Diego, California, and his bio and those of other returning Board Members …
Take Back Our Republic Board Elects Three New Members; Johnson As President Read More »
Take Back Our Republic Board Elects Three New Members; Johnson As President
The Take Back Our Republic Board of Directors met in New Orleans February 3, and elected Francis Johnson to a full year term as President, and elected three new members to their first full-year terms. Johnson splits time between Washington DC and San Diego, California, and his bio and those of other returning Board Members …
Take Back Our Republic Board Elects Three New Members; Johnson As President Read More »
Thousand Cheer Take Back Vision, Then Marine Hero
The Take Back Our Republic Vision and Mission Statements were previewed for the first time in a speech by John Pudner to more than a thousand cheering attendees of the closing speeches at the Unrig the System Summit in New Orleans. Soon after that, the same stage featured Mike Gallagher, the Marine with a Ph.D. from Princeton University who learned to speak Arabic to …
Thousand Cheer Take Back Vision, Then Marine Hero Read More »
North Dakotan’s file anti-corruption amendment
“We’ve worked with North Dakotans from across the political spectrum on this amendment to hold public officials accountable and reduce corruption in government,” said Ellen Chaffee, Democrat co-chair of North Dakotans for Public Integrity. “The political system is broken, so this amendment is needed to ensure that government and politicians put the people of North …
Pudner on The Ron Edwards Experience
On Friday, January 26, Take Back Our Republic Executive Director was a featured guest on The Ron Edwards Experience (America Matters Media, KCKQ -NV). Pudner and Edwards discussed the Take Back story and efforts underway to fundamentally reform America’s broken campaign finance system. Click below to listen to John’s interview:
Leading Conservative NM Blog (54,000+ Followers) Covers Whirlwind Week
If one out of every six Trump voters in New Mexico followed a blog – it would still have a smaller following than the 54,507 followers of the Political Fireball. The conservative blog known for not backing down from hard-hitting reporting pulled no punches this week during Take Back’s whirlwind tour of the Land of Enchantment – …
Leading Conservative NM Blog (54,000+ Followers) Covers Whirlwind Week Read More »
Take Back Goes West!
With Take Back New Mexico growing to hundreds of members, Executive Director John Pudner traded the 8 degree temperature in Alabama for the 14 degree temperature in New Mexico. Pudner will join leading libertarian, social conservatives, and fiscal conservatives at several events this week. He dropped by the State Capitol today to speak on the …
OpEd: Fix it, America
Take Back Executive Director John Pudner penned the following OpEd on money in politics for the Concord Monitor: Two years ago, I was sludging through New Hampshire snow drifts, just before the first-in-the-nation presidential primary. As I talked with Granite State voters, I kept hearing the same thing: everyone was concerned about the influence of …
Pudner Talks Campaign Finance Reform On The Don Smith Show
Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner discussed the organization’s efforts to fundamentally reform America’s broken campaign finance system last week in an interview with business executive Don Smith. With organizers, supporters, and allies throughout the country, Take Back is working on the local, state, and federal level to limit special interest influence in …
Pudner Talks Campaign Finance Reform On The Don Smith Show Read More »
Crazy Money Behind Crazy Election in Virginia
AUBURN, AL- A recount followed by a Court decision means that a key race for a legislative seat in Virginia is a tie. A coin flip will decide the winner. The winner will decide control of the House of Delegates. Though the story reads like that of an over-the-top political comedy, the reality …
Victory! TBAF Request Results in Rare Bipartisan FEC Vote After Spirited Debate
Spirited FEC debate Thursday culminated in a shocking breakthrough victory for Take Back Action Fund (see Thursday’s USA Today and TV from Buffalo to Atlanta), just days after John Pudner’s hour long interviews on both national radio and the TV American Political Zone regarding the impact of campaign finance on tax reform, the military, and …
Victory! TBAF Request Results in Rare Bipartisan FEC Vote After Spirited Debate Read More »
Issue One: Spending in Alabama Senate Race Tops $40 Million
Issue One on spending in Alabama’s U.S. Senate race: $42.7 million is the combined amount that all candidates and political groups have invested so far in the special U.S. election in Alabama, including the earlier primary and primary runoff phases of the election. With spending continuing through Tuesday, that figure could rise even higher. To read …
Issue One: Spending in Alabama Senate Race Tops $40 Million Read More »
Take Back Advocates for Congressional, FEC Action on Foreign Influence
Wednesday and Thursday Take Back Our Republic President Francis Johnson, DC-based Development Director Steve Thomas, and Executive Director John Pudner will meet with Congressional offices. The topic will be the importance of passing HR1341 and S1660 to cut off an avenue for foreign influence on US elections through the billions of dollars in nameless small dollar contributions …
Take Back Advocates for Congressional, FEC Action on Foreign Influence Read More »
Hill Talks Take Back at Montgomery Capital Rotary
Take Back Our Republic’s Director of Operations, Justin Hill, was the keynote speaker today at the Montgomery Capital Rotary meeting. A former Youth Director for the YMCA and campaign guru, Hill talked about Take Back’s plan to fix America’s broken campaign finance system.
Take Back Connecticut; TV, Radio, 7 Gubernatorial Candidates
The Take Back Connecticut effort to spread the word on conservative solutions for campaign reform included a TV and Radio interview and meetings with all seven announced Republican candidates for Governor, Party Officials, Debate Moderators from the Fox Affiliate, and many others among hundreds of Republicans Wednesday night. Links to watch and listen to the media interviews …
Take Back Connecticut; TV, Radio, 7 Gubernatorial Candidates Read More »
Is Tom Steyer Running for President?
AUBURN, AL- We have previously written about Tom Steyer, the liberal mega-donor who is funding an effort to impeach Donald Trump, a campaign short on specifics and long on ideological preferences. Steyer, an uber-wealthy ex-investor whose foremost issue has been the environment, contributed more money, over $91 million, to campaigns in 2016 than anyone …
25 Richest Members of Congress and Their Committees
AUBURN, AL- Studies performed by OpenSecrets.org have led to the compilation of the 25 wealthiest members of Congress. Below, we have listed those members, their party, the sector where they have the highest investment, and the committees they serve on. 13 members of this list are Republicans with 12 Democrats. The Senate has 7 …
25 Richest Members of Congress and Their Committees Read More »
South Dakota Lawmakers Silence Voters, Demand Pay Raise
Doug Kronaizl from Represent South Dakota penned an OpEd for the Argus Leader that highlights brazen efforts in the legislature to silence voters and empower the political class. Read HERE.
Take Back, Judicial Watch Prove That Campaign Finance Reform Is Bipartisan
Take Back Our Republic and Judicial Watch signed on to a letter in support of legislation that requires Senate candidates to file campaign finance reports directly to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC). The letter, which is signed by organizations on both sides of the aisle, proves that campaign finance reform is bi-partisan. To read more, …
Take Back, Judicial Watch Prove That Campaign Finance Reform Is Bipartisan Read More »
Liberals Embrace Big Money Post-Virginia
AUBURN, AL- In what was a very dark Election Day for many conservatives in Virginia, there may be a ray of sunshine emerging: liberals may be on the verge of making the gross mistake of ceding the campaign finance issue to conservatives. An opinion piece in The Washington Post cites Virginia’s loose campaign laws- …
Open Secrets Shows Need to Broaden Donor Pool
Reminder: Open Secrets Shows Need to Broaden Donor Pool, Achieve Reform By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- Usually, we highlight new examples that show possible avenues for reform as well as the intense need. Today, however, we want to remind our supporters of a diagram put together by Open Secrets, the non-profit political money-tracking organization. Their …
Prediction of VA Legislative Stunner Followed Day With WI Gov, LG & Packers
GREEN BAY & RICHMOND, VA – Just over an hour after the polls closed in Virginia Tuesday night, Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner posted the shocking prediction that Virginia Democrats might take over the State House despite starting the night outnumbered 67-33. That 8:22 p.m. ET Facebook Post could prove correct pending a couple …
Prediction of VA Legislative Stunner Followed Day With WI Gov, LG & Packers Read More »
South Dakotan’s Strike Back
South Dakota Voters Strike Back By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- A shocking display of arrogance and abuse of power was on display in South Dakota when legislators undermined the will of the people to impose ethics reform on its officials. Last year, Take Back and other reform leaders joined with South Dakota activists to …
Americans Losing Faith in Democracy
Doubt is growing about American democracy, according to recent surveys. Our nation, naturally patriotic, has long been proud of how our government works. Even when disagreeing with policies from Washington, our system has been a source of pride for the American people. However, recent surveys show that to be waning. Only 63% of Americans, down …
Campaign Finance Abuser Now Aims for Trump Impeachment
Campaign Finance Abuser Now Aims for Trump Impeachment By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- We have previously chronicled the efforts of Tom Steyer, the liberal billionaire who is one of the foremost abusers of the campaign finance system, to buy elections. Now, he aims to spend money to undermine one. According to Open Secrets, Steyer …
Campaign Finance Abuser Now Aims for Trump Impeachment Read More »
Campaign Finance Poll
Our piece in NewsMax explained the four basic options for reforming money in politics. Which of the following is closest to your view? Take the survey HERE.
OpEd: Luther Strange went from Rising Star to Short Serving Senator Because of People’s Opposition to Big Money, Power
Luther Strange spent a significant portion of his life wanting to be a United States Senator. Now, after holding the coveted title for less than a year, he has just a few short months left on the job. The short tenure of Strange will be studied in Alabama political-science departments for years to come. His …
TAKE BACK Coordinators Wrap Up Texas Week With Reform Appeal to Conservatives
DALLAS – Texas Take Back Our Republic Coordinators Itamar Gelbman and Patricia Embry, joined Executive Director John Pudner (photo above) wrapped up a week of Texas meetings with an appeal for conservatives to join the fight for reform. The third Texas Coordinator Eric Yang is at Harvard for the school year. Pudner made the case …
TAKE BACK Coordinators Wrap Up Texas Week With Reform Appeal to Conservatives Read More »
St. Petersburg Passes Campaign Finance Law Despite Likely Legal Challenge
AUBURN, AL- The debate over Citizens United continues to shift toward local action with St. Petersburg entering the fray with a historic vote. A 6-2 majority voted to restrict the amount an individual can contribute to a PAC that will spend in local elections to $5,000. Accompanying the measure is a stronger requirement for …
St. Petersburg Passes Campaign Finance Law Despite Likely Legal Challenge Read More »
Take Back Praised in Fox News Piece
One of the largest and most effective millennial groups today sounded praise for TBOR in a Fox News piece: “Take Back Our Republic, a conservative group led by Virginia Republican Congressman Dave Brat’s former campaign manager, has advocated campaign finance reform including tax credits and deductions that empower small-donor contributions.” To read the article in …
Former Alabama House Majority Leader Guilty of Mail Fraud
AUBURN, AL- Alabama State Rep. Micky Hammon (R-Decatur), the former House Majority Leader, plead guilty to mail fraud. The lawmaker, who took the role of Majority Leader when Republicans took control of the legislature in 2010, became the 4th Alabama elected official to be convicted of corruption charges since 2014. U.S. Attorney Louis Franklin announced …
Former Alabama House Majority Leader Guilty of Mail Fraud Read More »
Conservatives Right to Point Out Price Was Wrong
“This is something the voters should be concerned about. Money that is personally benefiting you is more of a concern and can be a more powerful force pulling you into a decision on related issues than campaign funding.” To read the story in its entirety click here.
Democrat Strategist Laments Lack of Challengers, Cites Money
A fundamental belief of our organization is that solving the money in politics problem is the closest thing to a silver bullet to restoring real democracy and ushering in good policy. While we are a conservative organization, one of the nation’s top Democrat strategists agrees. Atlanta-based strategist and former Obama operative Tharon Johnson recently wrote …
Democrat Strategist Laments Lack of Challengers, Cites Money Read More »
FEC fines contractor that gave pro-Clinton super PACs illegal cash
The Federal Election Commission has fined Boston-based Suffolk Construction Co., a federal government contractor, for making illegal contributions to a pro-Hillary Clinton super PAC, according to a letter from the agency. The $34,000 settlement between the FEC and Suffolk appears to mark the FEC’s first penalty against a government contractor for illegally contributing money to a super PAC — a …
FEC fines contractor that gave pro-Clinton super PACs illegal cash Read More »
The Business Case for Campaign Finance Reform
“With everything else on your desk right now, why care about campaign finance reform?” “Because it’s not just about “campaign finance.” It’s about the future workability of our democracy. Special interest money in politics completely distorts not just our system of government – but also our economy and, increasingly, our culture and sense of community. …
Pudner Presents the People Powered Playbook at the 3rd annual Civic & Gov Tech Showcase
Download the corresponding presentation HERE.
Pudner Presents People Powered Playbook at Civic & Gov Tech Showcase
John Pudner talked with Tim Draper, Silicon Valley innovator, Venture Capitalist and Government reformer, prior to presenting the People Powered Playbook to investors and executives from Microsoft, Google and a host of Silicon Valley companies. Take Back was selected to present at Draper’s 3rd annual Civic & Gov Tech Showcase.
Take Back OpEd Featured in NewsMax
One of the only things that unites Americans is agreement that our republic is broken, and we need to take it back. For years I tried to do this from a political, partisan perspective — winning low-budget campaigns to enable Republicans to take over the Virginia legislature in the 1990s, then the Alabama legislature a …
Examiner Quotes TBOR Re: Lobbying + Contributions Hurting Taxpayers
Weekly Standard senior writer Tony Mecia summarized key aspects of the www.takeback.org agenda in the Washington Examiner, a top news source for Capitol Hill: John Pudner, executive director of Take Back Our Republic, a conservative group advocating for campaign finance reform, says lobbying combined with campaign cash creates a system that hurts taxpayers. “Stopping the revolving …
Examiner Quotes TBOR Re: Lobbying + Contributions Hurting Taxpayers Read More »
What Can a Republican and a Democrat in Congress Agree on? A Need for Reform
Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI 8th District) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA 17th District) are clear about one thing: they don’t agree on much. Aside from being first term congressmen and among the youngest members of the body (Gallagher is 33 and Khanna is 40), there are few similarities. Beyond party, Gallagher is a former Marine …
What Can a Republican and a Democrat in Congress Agree on? A Need for Reform Read More »
In the Era of Celebrity Politicians, It May be Time to Look at the System
Donald Trump broke all the conventional rules during his improbable rise to the White House. As the nation’s first to occupy the White House without prior public or military service, Donald Trump has broken a barrier. Does that mean we should be prepared for a new era of politics? Well, a potential- and possibly formidable …
In the Era of Celebrity Politicians, It May be Time to Look at the System Read More »
Sheriff David Clarke Calls Group a “ScamPAC”
Sheriff David Clarke of Milwaukee, WI has developed quite a following, but, according to his recent comments, he is not planning a run for Senate. This runs counter to what operators of a PAC want his fans to think. The Draft David Clarke for U.S. Senate group has a website that certainly would lead many …
Take Back Our Republic Coordinator Encourages Ohio Congressman to Support H.R. 1341
Take Back Our Republic and its citizen advocates are everywhere. On Wednesday, at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast, one of our coordinators shared information about H.R. 1341 with Congressman Dave Joyce (R-OH 14th District). The bill, sponsored by Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ 4th District), is inspired by Take Back Our Republic’s idea to close the …
Take Back Our Republic Coordinator Encourages Ohio Congressman to Support H.R. 1341 Read More »
TBOR: Campaign reporting proposal creates necessary, nation-leading disclosure in NM
“Any well-funded political organization must be held accountable for its electioneering activities, the same standard that is applied to individual citizens. Mega donors should not be able to “launder” their political contributions through tax exempt organizations that are clearly using that funding to sway our elections and influence our politicians. New Mexican voters deserve to know …
TBOR: Campaign reporting proposal creates necessary, nation-leading disclosure in NM Read More »
Take Back Goes to Nashville to Meet With Leaders From Most US States, Territories
Take Back team members testified in New Mexico, held meetings across from Manhattan, and spent several days in Nashville culminated Saturday afternoon with (from left); Kimberly Ishmael (KY), Leah Thompson (TN), John Pudner (AL), Heidi Behnke (GA), Brandon Neal (TN) and Mike Warren (TN). The blistering pace will continue throughout the Southeast with a blitz …
Take Back Goes to Nashville to Meet With Leaders From Most US States, Territories Read More »
Take Back in the Tri-State
Yesterday, Take Back’s Shaaya Ellis and Joe Livoti met with Tri-state Regional Coordinator Paul Lichstein across the river from the Freedom Tower to discuss upcoming efforts in the Big Apple. The Tri-state region of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut has become one of Take Backs key areas in the past months, we look forward …
Rebalancing Our Political System to Take Back Our Republic
Rebalancing Our Political System to Take Back Our Republic. Click to download!
Campaign Finance Fine Leads to Jail-time
A former Montana legislator has been jailed for failing to pay a campaign finance fine. Wesley Prouse accepted $9,000 in illegal contributions in a 2010 State Senate primary campaign. He had previously served in the State House in the late 90s. The contributions resulted in a $59,000 fine, and Prouse had the option to provide …
California Speaker Pro Tem Takes Authorship of Bill Aimed at Dark Money
California’s AB 249 has a high profile new author. With former Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez sworn in as a member of Congress last month, Speaker Pro Tem Kevin Mullin is taking lead on the bill aimed at dark money. Mullin is no stranger to reform issues. Earlier this year, he was at the center of a …
California Speaker Pro Tem Takes Authorship of Bill Aimed at Dark Money Read More »
Alaska Campaign Finance Law Under Attack
States rights, the will of the people, and the ability to achieve local reform is at stake in a case involving our northern-most state. In 1996 the Alaska legislature passed campaign finance reform that, among other things, capped individual contributions at $500 to a candidate. The popular law was raised in 2003 by the legislature …
Take Back ED Addresses Activists from 26 States in Chicago on Tragic Weekend
On a tragic weekend that featured the second bloody political attack this summer – conservatives Jim Rubens (former New Hampshire State Senator) and Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner reached across the political divide to address activists from 26 states gathered for a Wolf-PAC training session in Chicago. Pudner was national and religion …
Take Back ED Addresses Activists from 26 States in Chicago on Tragic Weekend Read More »
Over a Million watch Pudner on Fox News
The TV ratings are in! More than 1.1 million people watched Take Back’s Executive Director John Pudner on “The Next Revolution with Steve Hilton” on Sunday, July 30. That was a 26% increase in the show’s audience from the previous week — far more viewers than watched CNN’s “The Nineties” and almost double the number who watched …
Take Back Went Down To Georgia
Over the weekend, Georgia coordinator Haleigh Herring invited Take Back Executive Director John Pudner to Houston County, GA. On Saturday, Pudner talked with local politicos about Take Back’s efforts to fix America’s broken campaign finance system. The event went so well that Pudner has already scheduled a return trip later this month.
Call 202.224.3121, Committees Consider Making Our Bill a Law!
School House Rock taught grade school students ever since Generation X about how a bill became a law in Saturday morning cartoons. Now you can be part of the process by calling 202.224.3121 and entering your zip code to leave a message for your Member of Congress to sponsor HR1341 and your two Senators to …
Call 202.224.3121, Committees Consider Making Our Bill a Law! Read More »
#TBT: John Pudner Talks Campaign Finance Reform on Fox News
On Sunday, Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner discussed conservative solutions for campaign finance reform on The Next Revolution with Steve Hilton. After taking questions from Brexit’s Steve Hilton, Pudner fielded questions from Kennedy, Jake Horowitz and Jessica Dahl in a second New Revolution segment on Fox News.
BREAKING: Take Back White Paper Basis for BIPARTISAN Legislation in Both Chambers
Just when it looked like no one could get anything done over the partisan divide, surprise bipartisan co-sponsors emerged in both the House and Senate for legislation based on an Educational Paper written by Take Back Our Republic. With so many large special interest groups fighting for legislation, few in Capitol Hill noticed when a few …
BREAKING: Take Back White Paper Basis for BIPARTISAN Legislation in Both Chambers Read More »
John Pudner to Appear on Fox News’ The Next Revolution
Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner will be the guest on Fox News’ The Next Revolution with Steve Hilton this Sunday, July 30, at 9PM (Eastern). Join the conversation online (@nextrevfnc). Tweets and Facebook Posts may get read on-air during the show!
Watch Parties Planned for Pudner’s Fox News Interview
Take Back Executive Director John Pudner will appear on Fox News’ The Next Revolution this Sunday, July 30, at 9PM (EST) to discuss conservative solutions for campaign finance reform with host Steve Hilton and a panel of thought leaders. The show will replay again at Midnight (Eastern). A number of Regional Coordinators for Take Back …
Watch Parties Planned for Pudner’s Fox News Interview Read More »
Pudner On the Radio with Oregon Coordinators, Jeff Kubler and Dan Laschober
Earlier this month, Take Back Executive Director John Pudner talked to Oregon Coordinators, Jeff Kubler and Dan Laschober, on the “Jeff and Dan Show” about the organization’s legislative efforts to fix America’s broken campaign finance system.
Take Back Issues Statement on Senator McCain’s Diagnosis
“Our hearts go out to Senator John McCain and his family today, and our prayers will certainly be with him as he does what he has done throughout his life- fight. A true American patriot, McCain’s willingness to fight for his country as a soldier, as a POW, and as a public servant has impacted …
Take Back Issues Statement on Senator McCain’s Diagnosis Read More »
Take Back Fighting To Enhance Transparency, Empower Voters in New Mexico
In a recent OpEd penned by Common Cause for NPR affiliate, NRWG, Take Back Our Republic was mentioned as a conservative organization fighting for commonsense campaign finance reform in New Mexico. “Reforming disclosure rules in New Mexico has also been supported by a number of prominent national Republicans, including Trevor Potter, a Republican lawyer and former …
Take Back Fighting To Enhance Transparency, Empower Voters in New Mexico Read More »
Pudner Returns to Take Back’s Launch Site to Discuss Unverified Credit Card Contributions
Take Back Executive Director John Pudner returned to Take Back Our Republic’s launch site, Grover Norquist’s weekly center-right meeting. While discussions are off the record, more than 100 conservative leaders received material on Take Back’s educational effort in unverified credit card contributions. Pudner holds other materials from attendees – ranging from vapers, to the federal …
Liberty Grove Joins Host of Wisconsin Communities Calling for Reform
The Badger State continues to be a hotbed for reform. There, grassroots movements are thriving in communities- 108 to be exact. With the addition of Liberty Grove, that’s the number of Wisconsin communities who have called for a referendum. This referendum would allow voters to determine whether the state should call for a constitutional amendment …
Liberty Grove Joins Host of Wisconsin Communities Calling for Reform Read More »
A Super-Majority of Americans Agree They Lack Influence in Washington
In today’s climate, there may be no greater challenge than getting a super-majority of Americans to agree on anything. Yet, the AP found one such issue in a recent poll. “Three-quarters of Americans agree that people like themselves have too little influence in Washington, rare unanimity across political, economic, racial and geographical lines and including …
A Super-Majority of Americans Agree They Lack Influence in Washington Read More »
FEC meeting on alleged foreign interference in American elections
Statement by Take Back Our Republic’s John Pudner on Federal Election Commission Meeting on alleged foreign interference in American elections As an American citizen and voter, I am stunned by the amount of media coverage and government resources that are being spent chasing the question of whether Russia influenced the 2016 election. I …
FEC meeting on alleged foreign interference in American elections Read More »
Campaign Finance Issues for HHS Secretary?
We have previously covered the campaign finance issues with the recent special election in Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District. Both candidates- Jon Ossoff and Karen Handel- did nothing illegal, but activities surrounding those campaigns embodied rationale for reform. Now, there are concerns about the leader they campaign to replace, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. …
Take Back Board Elects Morold President
Auburn, AL – Friday the Board of Directors for Take Back Our Republic elected LaNell Morold as its first full-time President to build the national effort leading up to the September 28 Annual Board Meeting in Washington. The 13 Board Members (see bios below) who elected Morold remains unchanged since May 2016, and include distinguished …
Pudner Talks To Newsweek About Draining The Swamp in DC
John Pudner, executive director of Take Back Our Republic, a conservative government reform group and a Bannon ally, says he has mixed feelings on the administration’s use of Washington insiders in lower-level administrative positions. “At some point, at the lower level, you have to have people who understand the process,” Pudner says. “The rock and …
Pudner Talks To Newsweek About Draining The Swamp in DC Read More »
Take Back Our Republic in the news
“Close to 200 residents of Maine and New Hampshire marched from John Paul Jones Park in Kittery, Maine, to Market Square in downtown Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon to raise awareness for the need for clean elections in New Hampshire.” Take Back’s own Liz Iacobucci was a guest speaker at the rally at the end of …
John Pudner featured in The Hill
“Why would anybody oppose disclosure? Unless they want to keep funneling unaccountable money to influence government decisions on how to spend taxpayers’ money.” To read the article in its entirety click here.
Reform on Georgians’ Minds After Expensive Race
At a recent Q&A with a candidate for Governor of Georgia, one concerned citizen echoed a sentiment being felt throughout the Greater Atlanta area- a region recently bombarded with political advertising- when she asked “what will you do to keep out-of-state money from pouring into our elections?” The question is certainly understandable and it underscores …
Combined 7.2 Billion Views In May From These Websites
Periodically, we look at the number of page views from websites that have covered Take Back Our Republic and/or Executive Director John Pudner. We thank all media that has taken the time to cover our efforts (see complete list here). Here are the latest Digital Vision counts of page views for the sites that have …
Combined 7.2 Billion Views In May From These Websites Read More »
Listen to John Pudner on the radio, all over the country, this Friday and Saturday
Start your weekend off right, with Take Back Our Republic! You can listen to John Pudner on the radio, all over the country, this Friday and Saturday. Friday, June 30 6:30 am ET – Richmond, Virginia 6:30 am Eastern/5:30 am Central/4:30 am Mountain/3:30 am Pacific John’s weekly “Take Back Radio” show If you’re …
Listen to John Pudner on the radio, all over the country, this Friday and Saturday Read More »
Great Lakes Leadership @ Chicago Event; Radio Interview @ MKE Summerfest
Our Great Lakes Region tour wraps up at 3 p.m. Friday when Executive Director John Pudner will meet people and have a Milwaukee radio interview near the Briggs & Stratton stage at Summerfest, the largest music festival in the world. Thursday Pudner met with Board Member Camille Solberg in Fond du Lac, WI, and Wednesday …
Great Lakes Leadership @ Chicago Event; Radio Interview @ MKE Summerfest Read More »
St. Petersburg Moves to Cap Super PAC Money, Prevent Foreign Influence
We’ve covered the movement within local governments to begin the pushback against big money, and St. Petersburg, FL is the latest shining example. The city made a move last week to cap Super PAC money at $5,000 and keep foreign entities from making an impact in our elections. Elected officials in St. Petersburg made the …
St. Petersburg Moves to Cap Super PAC Money, Prevent Foreign Influence Read More »
The real loser is the current campaign finance system
Take Back Responds to GA-6 Special Congressional Election Executive Director John Pudner released the following statement about this week’s special election in Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District: “Negative TV commercials finally stopped running in Atlanta this week, with the election of Republican Karen Handel over Democrat Jon Ossoff. Take Back Our Republic does not take positions …
The real loser is the current campaign finance system Read More »
Take Back OpEd Featured In USA Today
Americans of all political stripes are increasingly disgusted by our country’s broken campaign finance system. Many believe that the system is out of balance, with big money having far too much influence over policy — drowning out the voices of individual voters and leaving them feeling disconnected from their government. The problem has gotten exponentially …
Tennessee Levels Largest Ever Campaign Finance Violation Fine at Former Lawmaker
The career of Jeremy Durham, a Republican who once represented Tennessee’s 65th State House district, is now on a very different track than the one it was on just a few short years ago. Once labeled a “rising star,” the former state Young Republicans Chairman and energetic activist, has essentially seen all future political aspirations …
Tennessee Levels Largest Ever Campaign Finance Violation Fine at Former Lawmaker Read More »
TakeBack.org Radio Debuts On Friday
Takeback.org radio debuts THIS Friday, June 16. In the inaugural episode, host John Pudner builds on Matthew 6:24, arguing that if people cannot serve both God and money, then elected officials can not serve both big money and their constituents. Click HERE to listen online or tune-in to: KKIM 1000 AM in Albuquerque (12:30 p.m. MT), …
New Jersey Push for Disclosure
In order to “Take Back Our Republic” and place influence back in the hands of “We the People,” information is paramount. That’s why we believe that the public deserves to know who is exerting influence on the process. The Garden State’s loose disclosure rules for outside organizations is beginning to get noticed. There, an outside …
Largest NM Newspaper Features TBOR Response to Attack on Disclosure
In an opinion piece titled “Integrity of democratic elections at stake,” the Albuquerque Journal featured a response to those attempting to hide political contributions from the public. The piece was written by Executive Director John Pudner, and starts: Take Back Our Republic (www.takeback.org) is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to common-sense, conservative solutions to campaign finance …
Largest NM Newspaper Features TBOR Response to Attack on Disclosure Read More »
Take Back Coordinator Featured In Missouri Times
Jacob Scott has been a familiar face in the Missouri Capitol since 2014, as he has become one of the top young staffers on the Senate side of the building. …Outside of his work in the government, Scott still finds time for politics. He volunteers for a nonprofit called Take Back Our Republic, a group …
Take Back Coordinator Featured In Missouri Times Read More »
Take Back Takes Huntsville, AL
This week, Take Back Our Republic hosted a “Meet and Greet” with Executive Director John Pudner at The Chocolate Bar in Huntsville. Pudner also attended the Huntsville Tea Party meeting with Speaker Mac McCutcheon. During both events, Pudner discussed the need to bring power back to the people through campaign finance reform.
A Study on State Lobbying: High Growth States and Campaign Finance- Part 1 (Top 5 Population States)
We have been studying states where lobbying has dramatically grown from 2006-15. Thirteen states rank in the top ten in either or both of the highest growth rate states or most significant raw growth states: California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, North Dakota, Maine, New York, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, and Rhode Island. Today, we …
TAKE BACK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOHN PUDNER BACK ON BOSTON HERALD DRIVE
On Friday, Take Back Executive Director John Pudner was back on Boston Herald Drive to discuss campaign finance reform with hosts John Sapochetti and Rick Shaffer. Click HERE to listen to the interview and learn more about Take Back’s efforts to spur individual participation in the American political system.
The Battle Continues in Missouri: Part 2
One of the key players we have been following in the Missouri battle over reform issues is Sen. Rob Schaaf (R- St. Joseph). This week, Schaaf released an op-ed attacking the failed bill that supposedly banned lobbyist gifts. The entire article can be read HERE. In short, Schaaf points out that the supposed “ban” would …
The Battle Continues in Missouri: Part 1
We have been closely following the ongoing dialogue in Missouri, a state where Take Back Our Republic has capitalized on the interest in reform to take multiple trips to organize for reform. In the Show Me State, there has been an ongoing battle between a coalition of Republican and Democrat lawmakers and the governor, who …
Take The Poll!
Over the years, we’ve heard lots of ideas on how to improve the campaign finance system – at every level of government. Which proposals do you think should be top priority? Take the poll HERE!
A Study on State Lobbying: Culture of Corruption Permeates Empire State
In our study on lobbying, we go on quite the rabbit trail again this week as we look at a culture of corruption in New York. Like our most recent paper on the subject, we understand that we are being somewhat tangential. However, we continue to believe that loose laws and a culture where influence …
A Study on State Lobbying: Culture of Corruption Permeates Empire State Read More »
Pudner Talks Reform at GET Summit in San Francisco
On Wednesday, Take Back Executive Director John Pudner joined Greg Schneider (Information Systems Director at Follow the Money, Dan Morain (Editorial Page Editor at The Sacramento Bee), and Daniel Newman (President and Co-Founder of MapLight) at the Global Election Technology Summit in San Francisco for a panel discussion on technology, campaign finance reform, and current events. …
Pudner Talks Reform at GET Summit in San Francisco Read More »
Scam Pac Operators Raided by FBI
Scam PAC Operators Raided by FBI By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- Political consultants make for an easy punching bag. They make big money, but the connections to insiders and a perceived preference of financial gain over principles make the industry one of the nation’s most hated. There is a segment of the industry, however, …
End Campaign Contributions from Unidentified Sources!
End campaign contributions from unidentified sources! A huge loophole in campaign finance laws allows unknown donors to contribute unlimited amounts of money to political campaigns via credit card. We need to stop this – before the next election. Congress has known about this loophole since 2008, when a Missouri woman went public with the fact that …
End Campaign Contributions from Unidentified Sources! Read More »
A Study on State Lobbying: New York Plagued by More than Numbers
AUBURN, AL- Last week, we took a by the numbers look at the problems in New York- one of the greatest growth states in lobbying around the country. Sadly, the numbers do not even tell the full story. In the coming days, we will have information on the New York LLC loophole that we have …
A Study on State Lobbying: New York Plagued by More than Numbers Read More »
Take Back Swings Through San Diego
Take Back Our Republic Board Member Francis Johnson, right, took Executive Director John Pudner through an impressive array of leaders in San Diego Thursday. Meetings included Republicans attending an RNC meeting, the offices of Members of the Democratic Delegation (Rep. Susan Davis and Scott Peters) and the operation of the Independent Voter Project. Next week …
Pudner Meets With Take Back New York, Attends Grace Foundation Event
On Tuesday, Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner met with members of the organization’s New York Chapter before attending an event hosted by Grace Foundation that featured Lauren Bush Lauren – granddaughter of president George H.W. Bush.
Campaign Finance Limits Stay in Missouri
Campaign Finance Limits Stay in Missouri By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- Missouri, a state at the forefront of the campaign finance and ethics debate, will keep donation limits set by the voters in the November 2016 election. Voters overwhelmingly backed a measure that set a maximum campaign contribution of $2,600 to individual candidates and …
Current System of Entitlement at Center of Corrine Brown Downfall
Current System of Entitlement at Center of Corrine Brown Downfall By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- Late in 2016, we wrote about the current system of self-enrichment- where politicians use their political office to get rich and live lavish lifestyles. When we wrote that paper, former Rep. Corrine Brown (D-FL) was one of the “bad …
Current System of Entitlement at Center of Corrine Brown Downfall Read More »
Pudner, Clements on Boston Herald Radio
Last week, Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner and Jeff Clements of American Promise were on Boston Herald Radio to discuss campaign finance reform and the need for a constitutional amendment that keeps government accountable to the people. Click HERE to listen.
Lobbying Industry Means Big Money in the Empire State- A By the Numbers Look
In our study on state lobbying, New York has been a chief villain. The Empire State ranked second in growth in overall number (933) and ninth in growth rate (22%). As a reminder, here are a reminder on the year by year numbers from New York: Behind the numbers, however, is an incredible growth in …
Lobbying Industry Means Big Money in the Empire State- A By the Numbers Look Read More »
Pudner, American Promise Push for 28th Amendment in Concord
John Pudner, the executive director of Take Back Our Republic spoke to a room full of Concord-area residents at an event hosted by American Promise at the Parish Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church. “Citizens are tired of feeling that the system is rigged against them,” Pudner said. Pudner, a former political consultant who spent three …
Pudner, American Promise Push for 28th Amendment in Concord Read More »
Conservative Campaign Finance Reformer Names 3 Priorities
From the Concord Monitor “John Pudner, executive director of the organization Take Back Our Republic, points to some of the same symptoms that liberals do – the long hours that members of Congress spend fundraising and a candidate recruitment process that tends to favor “telemarketers” over problem-solvers. But in describing his preferred set of reforms …
Conservative Campaign Finance Reformer Names 3 Priorities Read More »
A Battle is Brewing in Missouri
A showdown is occurring in Missouri between the governor and many in the legislature. Once the state passes its budget, meaningful reforms could be discussed. At the center of the debate is dark money disclosure and how a new 501c4 designed to support Governor Greitens, A New Missouri Inc., is operating. The well-funded group has …
Trump’s Efforts To ‘Drain The Swamp’ Lagging Behind His Campaign Rhetoric
Still, the promise to drain the swamp “is a central topic to why President Trump won this election,” said John Pudner, director of a conservative good-government group called Take Back Our Republic. His sense of the situation now: Trump started strong on the ethics issues but needs to do more follow-up. Pudner also sees a …
Trump’s Efforts To ‘Drain The Swamp’ Lagging Behind His Campaign Rhetoric Read More »
Ethics reform in three acts, a Missouri tragedy
Early this month, John Pudner and Dan Krassner were back in Missouri. They’re part of the national coalition that is pushing serious anti-corruption measures state by state. Krassner is the political director for Represent.Us, a bipartisan group targeting political corruption. Pudner is the founder of Take Back Our Republic, a conservative group targeting the same issues. Their …
New Book on Washington Corruption Takes Insiders to Task
New Book on Washington Corruption Takes Insiders to Task 4.25.17 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- Too often, politicians go to Washington and quickly get caught in the trap of appeasing DC insiders or advancing their own interests over representing their constituents. That’s why we appreciate Congressman Ken Buck’s (R-CO) “I didn’t go to DC …
New Book on Washington Corruption Takes Insiders to Task Read More »
Take Back’s John Pudner Featured on The Scott Beason Radio Show
This morning Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner was featured on the popular “Scott Beason Radio Show” in Birmingham, Alabama. To listen to that interview in its entirety click below.
A GOP Mega-Donor, Baseball Player & Rock Star Walk Into a Dallas Bar…
…and talk about campaign finance reform. Some in Dallas may have done a double take at the sight of www.takeback.org Executive Director John Pudner walking into a bar with the developer of the Dallas skyline, a former major league baseball player, and was that the Foo Fighter’s frontman? Pudner’s opportunity to talk one-on-one with the other three …
A GOP Mega-Donor, Baseball Player & Rock Star Walk Into a Dallas Bar… Read More »
Take Back ED John Pudner Talks Campaign Finance Reform With Syracuse New Times
John Pudner, executive director at Take Back Our Republic and former Republican political operative, cites the recent presidential election, with Trump raising significantly less than Clinton, as reason to believe tougher campaign finance regulations would hinder both Republicans and Democrats. For this he said in an email to the Syracuse New Times, “It is now …
Take Back ED John Pudner Talks Campaign Finance Reform With Syracuse New Times Read More »
Top Wisconsin TV Journalist Interview Take Back ED
Hundreds of Wisconsinite’s attended the interview conducted by Mike Gousha, the renowned journalist from the top rated newscast in Wisconsin (WISN) and Take Back Our Republic ED John Pudner. Click HERE for the wide ranging interview.
OpEd: When “Free Speech” By Special Interests Tramples On The Rights Of Citizens
“Special interests with lots of money have been using their “free speech” to shout over — and drown out — the speech of other Americans. They have been using the 1976 Buckley v Valeo decision to virtually eliminate your free speech, arguing that the Constitution guarantees the unlimited use of money as “speech” even when …
OpEd: When “Free Speech” By Special Interests Tramples On The Rights Of Citizens Read More »
God Bless, Texas: Reform Effort in the Lone Star State Worth Watching
God Bless, Texas: Reform Effort in the Lone Star State Worth Watching 4.17.2017 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- A reform movement is sweeping the country but seems to be gaining the most ground in Texas. The movement backing an Article V Convention has legislation before the Texas General Assembly aimed at defining the roles …
God Bless, Texas: Reform Effort in the Lone Star State Worth Watching Read More »
Pudner Urges Transparency in Missouri
John Pudner, executive director of the conservative campaign finance watchdog Take Back Our Republic, said the key to rooting out corruption is transparency. “Disclosure is our top priority,” Pudner said. “When things are done in secret, they increase the risk of corruption.” Politicians need to get the message, Pudner said, that voters want the system …
A Study on State Lobbying: A Closer Look at North Dakota
A Study on State Lobbying: A Closer Look at North Dakota #8, 4.12.17 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- In our review of states with the highest growth rate, big states like California, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Texas seemingly fit in. Ranked at #7, however, North Dakota stood out on the list. A rural …
A Study on State Lobbying: A Closer Look at North Dakota Read More »
Take Back Supported Legislation Moving Forward in California
Take Back Supported Legislation Moving Forward in California By Take Back Staff AUBURN, AL- California, ranked one of the top 10 states in lobbying growth in our recent study, is on the verge of substantive reform. AB.1089, endorsed by Take Back Our Republic, won bipartisan support in committee to advance forward. The bill sets …
Take Back Supported Legislation Moving Forward in California Read More »
Take Back Congratulates Neil Gorsuch on SCOTUS Confirmation
Take Back our Republic would like to congratulate Neil Gorsuch on his elevation to the Supreme Court. At the same time, we also want to point out that his confirmation process represents exactly what is wrong with our political process. When Judge Gorsuch was nominated to sit on the federal Appeals Court, his nomination was …
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Take Back Featured in The American Prospect
“We’re going to have an oligarchy here if we don’t get serious about disclosure,” says John Pudner, executive director of the conservative group Take Back Our Republic, which promotes campaign-finance changes, including transparency. Pudner’s group wants to see Congress take up legislation that would codify into law an Internal Revenue Service regulation that in essence …
Take Back Our Republic Calls on Gov. Martinez to Sign SB 96 in New Mexico
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, April 6, 2017 CONTACT: Liz Iacobucci 334-329-7258 ‘Take Back Our Republic’ Calls on Gov. Martinez to Sign SB 96, Requiring Disclosure by ‘Dark Money’ Groups The nationwide conservative campaign finance reform group Take Back Our Republic today called on New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez to sign SB 96, “An Act …
Take Back Our Republic Calls on Gov. Martinez to Sign SB 96 in New Mexico Read More »
Last Chance for Campaign Finance for New Mexico in 2017
Last Chance for New Mexico Campaign Finance Reform in 2017 Please take a minute, take out your cell phone, call New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez at 505-476-220 and tell her to sign SB 96 and require “dark money” political groups to disclose their donors. If Gov. Martinez does not sign the bill by …
Last Chance for Campaign Finance for New Mexico in 2017 Read More »
Pudner Talks Campaign Finance Reform With Stacy Washington
On April 6, Take Back Executive Director John Pudner appeared on “Stacy on the Right” – a nationally syndicated program out of St. Louis – to discuss campaign finance reform. To learn more, click HERE.
A Study on State Lobbying: The Relationship Between Party in Control of the Legislature and the States with the Greatest Increase in Lobbyists Rate
AUBURN, AL- In our last article, we looked at the ten states we have identified as seeing the highest growth in the number of state lobbyists: California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Indiana, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Rhode Island. In that article, we examined the relationship that growth had with the Party that held …
Green Bay City Council Gets in on Constitutional Amendment Movement
Green Bay City Council Gets in on Constitutional Amendment Movement 4.4.17 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- As we have been tracking the movement behind a constitutional amendment for campaign finance reform, we now see the effort going local. Prompted by a citizen movement, the Green Bay City Council passed a non-binding referendum in support …
Green Bay City Council Gets in on Constitutional Amendment Movement Read More »
Take Back Tells New York Times Ivanka Needs to Divest
Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner may be worth more than $700 million, according to newly released public filings, which could be argued inoculate them from normal lobbying pressures of someone in the White House. However, Take Back Our Republic told the New York Times Saturday that by failing to divest prior to taking White …
Take Back Tells New York Times Ivanka Needs to Divest Read More »
North Carolina Considers Lobbying Reform
North Carolina lawmakers are considering legislation that would double the time, from six months to a year, that a lawmaker would have to be out of office before he or she could register as a lobbyist. What do you think? Let us know -> www.FB.com/TakeBackOrg
A Study on State Lobbying: The Relationship Between Party in Control of the Legislature and the State’s with the Highest Lobbyist Growth Number
In our last article, we looked at the ten states we have identified as seeing the highest growth rate in the number of state lobbyists: California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, North Dakota, Maine, New York, and Delaware. In that article, we examined the relationship that growth rate had with the Party that held …
Mississippi Legislature Passes Much Needed Campaign Finance Reform
Last week, Mississippi lawmakers passed much-needed campaign finance reform legislation that empowers the Ethics Commission, prohibits the use of campaign funds for personal use, and ends what many observers “legalized bribery” in the State Capitol. You can read more on the new campaign finance laws here. Check out our Facebook page and comment to congratulate …
Mississippi Legislature Passes Much Needed Campaign Finance Reform Read More »
The People of Oregon Drowned Out While Politicians Swim in a Pool of Cash
Profiles in Corruption: The People of Oregon Drowned Out While Politicians Swim in a Pool of Cash from Government Contractors 3.23.17 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- At Take Back Our Republic, we thoroughly enjoy highlighting genuine reform efforts. On the other hand, we do feel compelled to perform the less pleasurable task of pointing …
The People of Oregon Drowned Out While Politicians Swim in a Pool of Cash Read More »
A Study on State Lobbying: The Relationship Between Party in Governor’s Mansion and States with the Highest Growth Rate
A Study on State Lobbying: The Relationship Between Party in Governor’s Mansion and States with the Highest Growth Rate #4, 3.22.17 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- As we continue our study on state lobbying, we take a closer look at the ten states we have identified as seeing the highest growth rate in the number …
Illinois State Senate Bill 1424 Seeks to Restore Influence to the People
Illinois Legislation Seeks to Restore Influence to the People 3.20.17 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- There is always significant reason for excitement when lawmakers build on the grassroots momentum for influence reform. Such is the case with Illinois Senator Daniel Bliss (D-Evanston) who made the following argument for reform: “I don’t buy the argument …
Illinois State Senate Bill 1424 Seeks to Restore Influence to the People Read More »
On The State Level, Lobbyist Profession Continues To Grow
From 2006 to 2015, the total number of state-level lobbyists grew from 42,895 to 45,555 – an increase 6.2% over the decade. Learn more about the need for influence reform HERE. Together, we can take power from the special interests and give it back to the people.
White Paper Wednesday Episode 3: A by the Numbers Look at State Lobbying
A Study on State Lobbying: By The Numbers from 2006-15 #3 3.15.17 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- In our last article, we wrote about the time period of 2006 to 2015 and introduced a few thoughts. Below we briefly break down the numbers of lobbyists at the state level over the decade. The total …
White Paper Wednesday Episode 3: A by the Numbers Look at State Lobbying Read More »
A Study on State Lobbying: By The Numbers from 2006-15
AUBURN, AL- In our last article, we wrote about the time period of 2006 to 2015 and introduced a few thoughts. Below we briefly break down the numbers of lobbyists at the state level over the decade. The total number of state-level lobbyists grew from 42,895 to 45,555- a growth of 2660 lobbyists. This represents …
A Study on State Lobbying: By The Numbers from 2006-15 Read More »
Fake News Comes to Campaign Finance
Fake News Comes to Campaign Finance 3.14.17 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- Just months ago, Take Back Our Republic released an educational paper on the problems that come with politicians that increasingly look to use their position to enrich themselves. Naturally, Take Back Our Republic would be interested in any news that shows a …
Disclosure Levels
Generally speaking, we believe that more disclosure is better than less disclosure in politics. This applies both to how politicians behave in office and the money they raise to run for office. We support full disclosure of those groups and individuals who can spend enough money to truly influence elections. According to Politico, the top …
50 Swamps? Take Back’s First Look at Lobbying at the State Level
AUBURN, AL- Regardless of whether you are an adamant Trump supporter or one of the 54.1% of Americans who voted for someone else, one undeniable fact from the 2016 presidential election is that President Trump “caught fire” with the phrase “Drain the Swamp.” Introduced relatively late in the campaign, the phrase galvanized those sick of …
50 Swamps? Take Back’s First Look at Lobbying at the State Level Read More »
Take Back’s 3-Week Cross-Country Tour
Take Back’s 3-Week Cross-Country Tour includes Meetings with Legacy Organizations Founded by Conservative Icons During a 3-week whirlwind tour, TAKE BACK met in Chicago with leaders of foundations formed by two of the greatest conservative reformers in the history of the nation. The McCormick Foundation is the legacy of Col. Robert R. McCormick, …
Take Back At The Dorchester Conference in Oregon
Take Back Our Republic was well represented by our state coordinators at the Dorchester Conference in Salem, Oregon. Great to see Rep. Greg Walden, Peggy Grande, and friends from throughout the Pacific Northwest at “America’s oldest political conference.”
Take Back ED John Pudner Talks Politics, Campaign Finance Reform at The Gathering
Take Back Our Republican Executive Director John Pudner joined Maria Theresa Kumar of Voto Latino and TBOR Board Member Juleanna Glover on stage of the 2017 Gathering of Leaders for a discussion on American politics and the need for fundamental reform in the way we fund political campaigns. Click HERE to watch!
1st $200: To a candidate of your choice or the IRS? (also see Money Magazine)
Do you believe you should be able to keep the first $200 you were going to send to the IRS, and instead send it to candidates of your choice who you believe would be better stewards of your money? Money Magazine covers the four states with programs set up to do just that at the …
1st $200: To a candidate of your choice or the IRS? (also see Money Magazine) Read More »
Episode 2 of Take Back’s Look At Lobbying on the State Level: The Time Period
A Study on State Lobbying: The Time Period of 2006-15 #2, 3.7.17 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- As we look at influence reform around the country- returning power and influence back to the voter- Take Back Our Republic is conducting a study of lobbyists at the state level. To begin, Take Back Our Republic …
Episode 2 of Take Back’s Look At Lobbying on the State Level: The Time Period Read More »
50 Swamps? Take Back’s First Look at Lobbying at the State Level
A Study on State Lobbying: 50 Swamps? #1, 3.3.2017 By TBOR Staff AUBURN, AL- Regardless of whether you are an adamant Trump supporter or one of the 54.1% of Americans who voted for someone else, one undeniable fact from the 2016 presidential election is that President Trump “caught fire” with the phrase “Drain …
50 Swamps? Take Back’s First Look at Lobbying at the State Level Read More »
The Reform Push in Pennsylvania
Informative piece in LNP + LancasterOnline.com about the desire for campaign finance reform in Pennsylvania. “Legislators determine how billions in taxpayer dollars are spent. Taxpayers deserve the assurance that policy is not being made on behalf of the highest bidder.” Read more HERE.
USA Today: Trump can’t ‘drain the swamp’ without reform at the FEC
A central tenet of President Donald Trump’s campaign was his promise to “restore law and order” by enforcing the laws of the land. But that’s not likely going to include campaign finance laws, or telling the Federal Election Commission to do its job. Former Santa Clara County counsel Ann Ravel announced last week that she’s …
USA Today: Trump can’t ‘drain the swamp’ without reform at the FEC Read More »
State TBOR Chapter Takes Message Way Beyond DNC, CPAC
WAYCROSS, GA – Take Back Our Republic circulated educational items on campaign finance reform to hundreds of conservative CPAC attendees, but also to people leaving Washington for the Democratic National Committee meeting in Atlanta where a robust conversion was taking place about the problems with corporate contributions. However, the most important education also occurs in …
State TBOR Chapter Takes Message Way Beyond DNC, CPAC Read More »
FEC Chair Departure 13 Months After Compliment by TAKE BACK
Ann Ravel’s announcement she was stepping down as FEC Chair brought a fond memory to the Take Back team from a year ago: On January 21, 2016, John Pudner drew laughs when he took the stage after Peter Schweizer at The campaign finance crisis in America and how to fix it: A solutions summit, with the words, …
FEC Chair Departure 13 Months After Compliment by TAKE BACK Read More »
Former MLB Pitcher, Campaign Finance Reform Leader to Run Southwest Region
Former MLB Pitcher, Campaign Reform Leader to Run Southwest Region Doug Nickle will run a regional campaign finance reform educational effort centered around his home near the New Mexico-Arizona border as Region XI Coordinator for Take Back Our Republic. His appointment comes three years after Nickle launched a citizen accountability initiative to reform California’s …
Former MLB Pitcher, Campaign Finance Reform Leader to Run Southwest Region Read More »
Mississippi Senate Passes Campaign Finance Reform Bill
Last week, Mississippi lawmakers passed legislation that would prohibit elected officials from using campaign funds for personal expenses. What do you think? Is this type of campaign finance reform needed? Weigh in on our Facebook Page HERE.
Take Back Regional Chairs & Map Of Regions
The top contact for Take Back Our Republic in each region is the Regional Chair, who focuses on the external development of the organization throughout their region. These leaders include executives of billion+ companies, organizers of fundraisers from the White House to Texas, major Chairs of winning Presidential coalition efforts, owners of talk radio …
RIP LTG Hal Moore
February 12, 2017 (AUBURN, AL) – The team of Take Back Our Republic was saddened to learn this weekend of the passing of legendary Lieutenant General Hal Moore. In the movie We Were Soldiers, Mel Gibson portrayed this fearless patriot and the true love and concern he had for those in his command who would …
Former TX Insurance & Real Estate Executive, NY-based Nat’l Campaign Fundraiser, Join TAKE BACK
AUBURN, AL – LaNell Morold and Shaaya Ellis began their work as Deputy Director and Director of Development, respectively, this week in the headquarters in Auburn. Two supporters of the quickly growing non-profit recommended a Deputy Director to oversee internal operations, to facilitate Executive Director John Pudner meeting a demanding external schedule with policy and …
Take Back Executive Director Tells USA Today: “This is something the voters should be concerned about”
Rep. Tom Price‘s nomination vote is today and questions are still swirling around stocks purchased by the HHS nominee. “This is something the voters should be concerned about,” says John Pudner, a conservative Republican who runs Take Back Our Republic, an advocacy group trying to get money out of politics. “Money that is personally benefiting …
Stanford Law School Audio & Powerpoint
Pre-eminent election and democracy/data lawyers Ben Ginsberg and Nate Persily were among those asking hard-hitting questions of Take Back Executive Director John Pudner at Stanford Law School Tuesday. View the entire presentation including videos here, and listen to the audio of the great session at which Pudner laid out the commercials and door-to-door tactics that win campaigns and …
Take Back Supports Florida Reps. “Drain the Swamp Act”
Last Week, U.S. Representative Ron Desantis (FL-06) introduced a bill focused on stopping the revolving door culture of Washington D.C. The “Drain the Swamp Act” as it is called will as push to extend the lobbying ban to 5 years, broaden the existing ban on foreign nationals donating to political parties or campaigns, and preventing …
Take Back Supports Florida Reps. “Drain the Swamp Act” Read More »
Take Back Executive Director in Time Magazine
Republican consultant John Pudner, a Bannon friend who briefly worked at Breitbart as the editor of a sports section, recalls the time Bannon “reamed me out”–just hours before he turned around and connected his friend with a plum new job. “He could hit you with that level of intensity and at the same time be …
Drudge Report & Time Magazine Reference Take Back ED in Cover Stories
For the second time since the formation of Take Back Our Republic (Take Back), Executive Director John Pudner is mentioned in an article on Drudge Report, and this time it is courtesy of him appearing in the cover story of Time Magazine. The account of the past work with Steve Bannon occurred before John …
Drudge Report & Time Magazine Reference Take Back ED in Cover Stories Read More »
Take Back Board Member Quoted in The Joplin Globe
Rob Schaaf Jr., who serves on the board of directors for Take Back Our Republic, was quoted today in The Joplin Globe on his father’s Missouri Senate bill that would allow for a small dollar tax credit for Missouri citizens. From The Joplin Globe-To incentivize engagement in the political process and ultimately reduce the impact …
Take Back Board Member Quoted in The Joplin Globe Read More »
Legislation In Missouri Would Create Tax Credit For Political Donations
To incentivize engagement in the political process and ultimately reduce the impact of special interests, Sen. Rob Schaaf has introduced legislation that will make Missouri campaign contributors eligible for a tax credit of up to $100 annually. During the hearing, Schaaf’s son, Robert – who sits on the Take Back Our Republic Board of Directors …
Legislation In Missouri Would Create Tax Credit For Political Donations Read More »
Missouri Taxation with Representation Act Inundated with Support at Rules Committee Hearing
Take Back Our Republic supporter and Missouri state Senator Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph’s Taxation with Representation Act was heard before the Missouri state committee on rules. Taxation with Representation, also known as Senate Bill 1 was inundated with testimony of support for the bill by leaders and grassroots citizens across the country. To read the full …
Take Back Board Taps New Leadership
Last week, the Take Back Our Republic Board of Directors tapped Kahlil Byrd, Lanell Morold, and Francis Johnson to serve as Vice-Presidents for the upcoming term. Each Vice-President will provide oversight as Take Back continues to grow in size and scope. The Board of Directors also named new officers. Anna Nichols will serve as Treasurer …
Take Back Board Members On The Move
It’s the New Year and Take Back Our Republic Board Members are still working around the clock to spread the organization’s mission with key stakeholders, donors, public officials, and members of the media. This month, Camille Solberg and Judge Ola Lewis traveled to Washington D.C. for the 58th Presidential Inauguration while professor Richard Painter racked up …
Take Back Our Republic, Ambassador Eisen Host Event in Miami
Today, Take Back Our Republic Director of Operations Justin Hill and Ambassador Norm Eisen spoke to the Patriot’s Club at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida before the 58th Presidential Inauguration. Special thanks to Take Back Our Republic’s South Florida coordinator Wayne Rossiter for putting the event together!
Secret Political Money through LLCs Possibly Used in Trump Attack
US Senator Johnny Isakson and TAKE BACK Executive Director John Pudner discussed the need for transparency in political contributions during a flight from Atlanta to Washington Tuesday for inaugural week. In particular, Pudner referenced the Wall-Street Journal report that Super PACs may have funneled the money to pay for a former British intelligence officer to coordinate …
Secret Political Money through LLCs Possibly Used in Trump Attack Read More »
Job Opening #2: Finance Associate
Take Back Our Republic (www.takeback.org) is a national, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization challenging the undue influence of special interests over American politics through long term structural reform solutions. Take Back is a frontline group working to educate the public on conservative solutions for campaign finance reform to prevent taxpayer money from being given away to the …
MLK Jr. Day Thoughts
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of the few weekdays the Take Back Our Republic office is closed. It seems fitting to let our employees join people across the country to remember one of the greatest American orators, and strongest voices for equality. While Dr. King was referring to violence in the following quote, perhaps these words from http://www.drmartinlutherkingjr.com/mlkquotes.htm might …
TBOR Executive Director John Pudner Responds To Trump’s Divestiture Plan
Another nonprofit, Take Back Our Republic, which seeks to increase conservative support for stronger ethics and campaign finance laws, said Trump’s announced actions were less than ideal but indicated that the president-elect was at least taking seriously the question of possible conflicts of interest. “I am disappointed a more aggressive plan for full divestiture into …
TBOR Executive Director John Pudner Responds To Trump’s Divestiture Plan Read More »
Take Back Our Republic Statement on Trump’s Divestiture Plan from First Press Conference
Statement of Take Back Our Republic Executive Director on President-Elect Trump’s Divestiture Issues of First Press Conference Trump Attorney Explains Separation of Trump from His Business Auburn, AL (January 11, 2017): Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner released the following at the conclusion of President-Elect Trump’s first press conference since the election: “Today President-elect …
Take Back Our Republic Statement on Trump’s Divestiture Plan from First Press Conference Read More »
TBOR Executive Director John Pudner talks Take Back in New Mexico
Last week, Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Click below to hear his speech on restoring power to the citizenry through campaign finance reform.
HuffPo Highlights Campaign Finance Reform Efforts At The State Level
“And there are a lot of bright spots across the country when it comes to campaign finance reforms. A reform initiative in South Dakota passed with 52 percent support from voters ― showing that campaign finance is an issue that matters to voters of all stripes…” Read more HERE.
CNN Money Quotes Pudner On Trump Divestment Push
CNN Money is the latest major outlet to cover Take Back Our Republic’s push for the President-elect to divest from his business. Please also see stories in NPR, Washington Post, ClickonDetroit, CBS News, WFMZ, and YubaNet.
Take Back’s John Pudner Interviewed by NPR’s Jim Zarroli
Recently Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner was quoted in Jim Zarroli of NPR’s article addressing the letter signed by prominent conservatives encouraging President-elect Trump to divest his business into a blind trust. You may read the NPR article in it’s entirety here, as well as listen to John’s comments below.
TBOR Executive Director John Pudner, Bipartisan Ethics Advocates Send Second Letter to President-elect Trump
On Monday, Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner and a bipartisan group of ethics advocates sent a second letter to Donald J. Trump urging the President-elect to divest his “business enterprises into a true blind trust managed by an independent trustee…in accordance with the guidelines of the Ethics in Government Act.” This important …
Pudner Talks Trump Foundation, Business Interests with SBG
John Pudner is a conservative strategist and executive director of Take Back Our Republic. When he learned that Trump was shutting down his charity, his initial thought how the president-elect will divest himself of his company. “For me, that is paramount. I’m glad he’s shutting down the foundation, but I’m more concerned about what happens …
Pudner Talks Trump Foundation, Business Interests with SBG Read More »
USA Today Quotes TBOR on Revolving Door
In 2008, a USA TODAY analysis found six top fundraisers among the 15 people that incoming President-elect Barack Obama had named to his transition shortly after the election. The current Commerce secretary, billionaire businesswoman Penny Pritzker, was a top Obama campaign fundraiser. John Pudner, a Republican campaign-finance activist, said it’s natural that donors who stepped …
Membership Special
Want to change politics as usual in America? For a limited time only, join Take Back Our Republic for only $10. Membership allows you to participate in our Annual Survey, have advanced notice of TBOR activities, and receive a copy of “Taxation Only with Representation” by Take Back Board Member Dr. Richard Painter. Click HERE …
Sen. Schaaf: Experts Endorse Senate Bills 1, 2 and 3
Missouri State Senator Rob Schaaf Sr. recently introduced 3 state senate bills focused on reforming the current campaign finance system. On Thursday, Senator Schaaf put out a press release detailing how Senate Bills 1,2, and 3 would help fix the current system as well as benefit the citizens of Missouri. You can read the press …
Sen. Schaaf: Experts Endorse Senate Bills 1, 2 and 3 Read More »
Bipartisan group urges Trump, family to divest from private business
The group includes experts who have been vocal on the subject in recent weeks and several former Republican officeholders who endorsed Hillary Clinton in the campaign. But the letter’s signatories also include two conservative allies of Trump senior adviser Stephen K. Bannon — Peter Schweizer, the author of the book “Clinton Cash,” which outlined possible …
Bipartisan group urges Trump, family to divest from private business Read More »
7.5 Billion Views led by ESPN; People’s Democracy Playbook
SPN Prelude to TBOR Showing How to Win Without Becoming a Big Money Addict Two days after President Obama’s re-election, ESPN’s coverage of John Pudner’s breakthrough in sports analytics unknowingly foreshadowed a breakthrough in how political campaigns are run – and won: When you think about the intersection of advanced sports statistics and political forecasting, you …
7.5 Billion Views led by ESPN; People’s Democracy Playbook Read More »
Take Back Our Republic Meets with Stuart Family Foundation
Truman Anderson of the Stuart Family Foundation, the first donor to Take Back Our Republic, hosted ED John Pudner Friday north of Chicago. Anderson is a former Marine who knows General James “Mad Dog” Mathis, through Marine fundraisers. Mathis was recently appointed Secretary of Defense by President-elect Donald Trump. The two discussed how to best …
Take Back Our Republic Meets with Stuart Family Foundation Read More »
Humble Beginnings 2: Breitbart Radio Interview at CPAC Started TBOR Growth
“Hey Pudner, get over here, we need to get you on the air about your new group,” Stephen Bannon called out on March 2, 2015 at CPAC. We had just launched Take Back Our Republic, and included this Facebook post of Bannon and Breitbart Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow interviewing me on Breitbart Radio about our brand new effort to …
Humble Beginnings 2: Breitbart Radio Interview at CPAC Started TBOR Growth Read More »
Take Back Our Republic Adds It’s Newest Educational Paper
Our hope, as we emerge from this intense election cycle, is that our nation’s new leadership will take seriously the importance of influence reform. In this paper, we look at the numerous ways that politicians are influenced by their own self-enrichment. We briefly outline simple proposals that would help fix the problem. It is our …
Take Back Our Republic Adds It’s Newest Educational Paper Read More »
White Paper: Self-Enrichment in Public Office
Take Back Our Republic congratulates President-elect Donald Trump, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and the other candidates on a hard fought campaign. Our hope, as we emerge from this intense election cycle, is that our nation’s new leadership will take seriously the importance of influence reform. In this paper, we look at the numerous ways that politicians …
Grove City, Pennsylvania Coordinator Ian Jones Lays Out the Need for Campaign Finance
Why America Needs H.R. 4177 Voters in both parties agree that we need to take our government back from the special interests. The first step should be the Stop Foreign Donations Affecting Our Elections Act. All the members of the House Administration Committee – from both parties – already support …
Grove City, Pennsylvania Coordinator Ian Jones Lays Out the Need for Campaign Finance Read More »
Draining the Swamp: Campaign Finance Reform (Again)
Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner recently sat down with the leading conservative blog in Virginia, BearingDrift.Com, reporter Jay Mcconville to discuss the need for conservative solutions to campaign finance reform and how Take Back is working to fix the broken system. You can read the interview in its entirety here.
It’s #GivingTuesday at Take Back!
It’s #GivingTuesday and Take Back Our Republic is encouraging all of our friends and supporters to donate $10, $25, or even $5 HERE. Your donation will fund efforts to change politics as usual and return power and influence to the voters. Give a little today and together we can ensure a better, brighter tomorrow!
NY Times Links to takeback.org in Bannon Story; Podesta Firm Admits Foreign Contracts
The New York Times linked to Take Back Our Republic in a piece on President-elect Trump’s Chief Strategist Steve Bannon. The Times writes: Steve and his two brothers went to Benedictine High School, an all-male Catholic military school in Richmond where the boys wore uniforms, kept their hair short and were called cadets. “It was …
NY Times Links to takeback.org in Bannon Story; Podesta Firm Admits Foreign Contracts Read More »
Take Back Our Republic Announces Southeast Coordinator Team
Take Back Our Republic Announces Southeast Regional Coordinator, Advisory Board Members and State Coordinators. Take Back Our Republic is proud to announce the leadership team for the 6-state southeast region, led by Alabama State Senator Trip Pittman. The region stretches from North Carolina to Florida. The remaining 9 regions will be announced later. The announcement …
Take Back Our Republic Announces Southeast Coordinator Team Read More »
TBOR on TV Viewed in Florida, Georgia & Alabama (WTVY)
Last night Take Back Our Republic held it’s third Alabama event at Hot’s Deli in Dothan, Alabama. The event was hosted by state school board member Betty Peter’s and also featured the announcement of Alabama state senator Tripp Pitman as our Southeast regional coordinator. WTVY chanel 4 news station covered the event and has one of …
TBOR on TV Viewed in Florida, Georgia & Alabama (WTVY) Read More »
Take Back in Dothan, Alabama
Florida, Georgia and Alabama residents can watch WTVY-4 news tonight to see Executive Director John Pudner unveil the new Southeast Take Back Our Republic team. Pudner met with Dothan area residents for lunch at the Hoppergrass restaurant including (Monica Carroll, Faye Williams and Boyd Deal) to talk about the threat of gamblers, the entertainment …
Take Back ED John Pudner Guest Speaker on NPR’s “Draining the Swamp” Segment.
This morning, Executive Director John Pudner was a featured guest on NPR’s segment “Draining the Swamp” and the Trump transition. Below you can view an email that went out to all of Take Back’s subscribers on the segment. You may also view the article with links to the radio interview Here! Please tune into your …
Take Back ED John Pudner Guest Speaker on NPR’s “Draining the Swamp” Segment. Read More »
The Salina Journal Highlights the Impact of “Deep Pocketed Special Interests”
The Salina Journal highlights the impact of “deep-pocketed special interests” on recent Supreme Court races and the desperate need for campaign finance reform. “Citizens always should know who’s trying to buy elections in such a way. Stronger disclosure rules would help. Policymakers who believe in transparency should pursue as much at the state and federal …
The Salina Journal Highlights the Impact of “Deep Pocketed Special Interests” Read More »
Happy Veterans Day From Take Back Our Republic.
May we never forget that freedom isn’t free. Thank you to all of our veterans from the Take Back Our Republic team!
‘HUGE’ Election Night Victory for Campaign Finance Reform
On a night that voters rejected a Presidential candidate who raised over $1 billion in campaign contributions for a candidate that raised less than half as much according to Bloomberg, voters in both states in which we had media tours delivered resounding ballot box victories for conservative solutions to campaign finance reform. While Take Back …
‘HUGE’ Election Night Victory for Campaign Finance Reform Read More »
In the wake of the most expensive presidential election in US history
Conservative Campaign Finance Reform Group calls on Elected Officials “to Come Together and Fix the System” Contact John Pudner, Executive Director at 334-329-7258 November 8, 2016 (Auburn, AL) – In the wake of the most expensive presidential election in US history, Take Back Our Republic, the only conservative organization leading efforts in campaign finance reform, …
In the wake of the most expensive presidential election in US history Read More »
National Director and Board Chairman meet in Virginia
Take Back Our Republic National Director Diane Cullo and Mark Mckinnon, who is the Co-founder of Showtimes “The Circus” and board chairman of TBOR met last night in Leesburg, Virginia to discuss TBOR’s plans to wrap up the year.
John Pudner OpEd: No Power With the People
There is no doubt as we look forward to election day that we are a divided nation. Yet, with these divisions on so many issues, there are unifying issues, too. That’s why I, a long-time conservative political strategist, and Tom Butler, a former Democrat State Senator, gathered in Huntsville on Thursday to talk about how …
Full Office as TBOR Starts the Week Off Right!
Starting the week off right! We’ve got a full office to start the week as we continue to fight for conservative solutions for campaign finance reform and educating voters across the country on its importance. We are also happy to announce that we have a new intern joining us this week. Linze Morris is a Junior …
Voters Not Billionaires, TBOR Tells ABC Affiliate in Defense Hub
TBOR Executive Director explained the problem with some candidates addiction to a few large donors to the ABC affiliate (watch story here) in the fourth biggest defense hub this way on the Wednesday night news: “Instead of thinking, ‘Well, I’ve got to represent all these people who voted to elect me,’ you say, ‘Well wait, …
Voters Not Billionaires, TBOR Tells ABC Affiliate in Defense Hub Read More »
Who Will Fight Big Money
Ask Your Candidates what will they do to restore balance to our democracy? Dear Take Back Our Republic Supporter, Together, we are working for a democracy that represents all of us. Right now, our politics are radically out of balance and titled away from voters towards wealthy special interests. Americans of …
Talking Democracy with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse
Editor’s Note: Frances Moore Lappé, founder of the Small Planet Institute and an arrestee during April’s Democracy Spring demonstrations, and Adam Eichen, a fellow at the Institute, are writing a book on the Democracy Movement. As part of their research, they recently interviewed Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat whose father — as he …
Take Back Our Republic Featured in Recent Center for Public Integrity Article
“The theme we laid out was we have got to stop foreign money from getting in,” John Pudner, executive director of Take Back Our Republic recently said regarding his meeting with Trump officials on the need for campaign finance reform, You can read the full article Here
Bloomberg: Super PAC Spending Replaces Dark Money as Election Nears
Major campaign spending organizations closely tied to Democratic and Republican leaders and funded by undisclosed donations—known by critics as “dark money”—have spent $26 million in key Senate races in 2016 but have significantly reduced their TV ad spending in the final weeks of the campaign, according to a Bloomberg BNA analysis of Kantar Media/CMAG data. …
Bloomberg: Super PAC Spending Replaces Dark Money as Election Nears Read More »
Volunteer Noah Durham Shares his Thoughts on Take Back Our Republic
My name is Noah Durham. I’m an Auburn resident and volunteer at Take Back Our Republic. From packaging letters, entering in data, and countless phone calls, I have learned that participation in the American political system is the only way to ensure that power is returned to the people. Most days I spend my time …
Volunteer Noah Durham Shares his Thoughts on Take Back Our Republic Read More »
Bloomberg: A Millionaire Takes on the Carried Interest Tax Break
Morris Pearl once worked as a managing director of BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset management fund. In a Wall Street career spanning more than two decades, he was employed by companies such as UBS AG and Salomon Brothers Inc. These days, Pearl inhabits a different planet. He is the chair of the Patriotic Millionaires, …
Bloomberg: A Millionaire Takes on the Carried Interest Tax Break Read More »
Crist, Jolly Square Off On Campaign Finance Reform
One of the most hotly contested races for Congress in the Tampa Bay area pits two well-known candidates: Former Gov. Charlie Crist and the incumbent, Congressman David Jolly. The two debated recently at the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club in St. Petersburg. Click HERE to read more.
Campaign Finance Reform Emerges Briefly As Topic In Ugly Trump-Clinton Debate
Amid a presidential debate that focused as much on personal attacks as substance, the topic of campaign finance reform finally made a brief, if tangential, appearance in the high-stakes public forum. Although the role of money in politics has been one of the top issues that voters want candidates to discuss, the topic hadn’t come …
Campaign Finance Reform Emerges Briefly As Topic In Ugly Trump-Clinton Debate Read More »
Town Hall Debate Question Leads to Secret Contributions Discussion
With all the distractions associated with the last Presidential debate, most will not remember the name Beth Miller, but we at Take Back Our Republic continue to work to make certain that the conversation she sparked there continues. Miller, an undecided voter, was chosen to pose a question to the candidates and she was …
Town Hall Debate Question Leads to Secret Contributions Discussion Read More »
VP Debate proves need for H.R. 4177
In the Vice Presidential debate, both candidates accused the other campaign of being susceptible to foreign influences. Regardless of the validity of the claims raised by either side, these accusations illustrate the importance of the work Take Back Our Republic is pursuing to pass HR 4177. This legislation amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to …
VP Debate Touches on Foreign Money
Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner was on site at Longwood University to watch the Vice Presidential debate with a faculty member. While the debate provided many contentious points that are dominating the headlines, Pudner was pleased with a take away many are foolishly ignoring following Tuesday’s debate: both candidates agree that foreign …
15 Super PAC’s Pump Millions into Nevada Senate Race
“Their overall spending combined represents 87 percent, or $46.7 million, of more than $53 million that has flowed from outside groups, including political action committees, super PACS and dark money groups, into Nevada elections.” Above are recent figures from the Review Journal regarding the millions spent by outside interests on the race for former Senate minority leader …
15 Super PAC’s Pump Millions into Nevada Senate Race Read More »
Pudner Talks HR 4177 at New York County Lawyers’ Meeting
On Wednesday, September 28, Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner and Fox News Contributor David Webb spoke at the New York County Lawyers’ Association meeting. Pudner discussed HR 4177 and the need to stop foreign contributions while Webb talked about the end of the old political consultant class that relied on big money …
Pudner Talks HR 4177 at New York County Lawyers’ Meeting Read More »
TBOR and Patriotic Millionaires hold joint press conference before first presidential debate
TBOR ED John Pudner and Morris Pearl of Patriotic Millionaires were joined by FEC commissioner Ann Ravel this morning in a joint press conference to discuss the need for campaign finance reform before tonight’s first presidential debate. Below are a few images from the event, with more updates to come shortly.
Take Back Makes Case to Presidential Campaigns
Take Back Our Republic is delivering information to presidential campaigns regarding solutions to campaign finance reform. Today at Trump Tower. Diane Cullo (top photo) and John Pudner (bottom photo) also spoke with Hall of Fame Indiana coach Bobby Knight after his interview with CNN.
The Hill: Show us the money — or at least show us the source
By John Pudner, contributor With all the rhetoric on the campaign trail today, there is one place where Republicans and Democrats can both agree — transparency is a good thing. In an era where self-financed campaigns compete with those back by anonymous super PACS it can be confusing for voters to know just who really …
The Hill: Show us the money — or at least show us the source Read More »
Deadlock: FEC Commissioners Say They’re Failing to Investigate Campaign Violations
If a campaign cheats during this election season, chances are high it’ll never be investigated. That’s according to some of the very Federal Election Commissioners tasked with enforcing the law, who call the agency “dysfunctional” and “broken,” NBC 4 Washington. The FEC is made up of six people – one independent, two Democrats and three …
Deadlock: FEC Commissioners Say They’re Failing to Investigate Campaign Violations Read More »
Press Notes TBOR’s Tour of S. Dakota to Make Case for Reform Among Trump Supporters
TBOR Board Member Richard Painter and Executive Director John Pudner finished the first of three days in South Dakota at Mt. Rushmore. The Argus Leader documented the case that anyone voting for Donald Trump should also vote for a state referendum (IM 22). Pudner stressed that Take Back Our Republic was not urging anyone to vote …
Press Notes TBOR’s Tour of S. Dakota to Make Case for Reform Among Trump Supporters Read More »
Take Back’s newest Alabama Coordinator holds first meeting
Take Back’s newest Alabama coordinator Tim Barkley met with state revenue commissioners Tuesday to discuss Take Back’s ideas for conservative solutions to campaign finance reform.
Moyers Post Focuses on Proposed Legislation Resulting from TBOR Educational Paper
Bill Moyers ran a great piece on HR4177, the legislation that resulted from our White Paper on illicit credit card contributions. Please read the entire piece on the great the efforts that started after we posted a white paper on how easy it is to move illicit credit card political contributions from anywhere in the world.
Take Back meets with Clinton Cash author Peter Schweizer
Take Back Our Republic ED John Pudner often quotes Peter Schweizer‘s books Extortion, Clinton Cash, and Bush Buck’s and Schweizer believes the conservative case for campaign finance reform was well made in Take Back’s first book, Taxation Only with Representation by board member Dr. Richard Painter. Today John visited with Peter at his research company, …
Take Back meets with Clinton Cash author Peter Schweizer Read More »
St. Louis Post-Dispatch; former Brexit Backer
Our week started with one of the top columnists in the country, Tony Messenger of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, writing a fantastic piece centered on Take Back Our Republic building another great state chapter (click here). The collage below shows the Post-Dispatch headline and my quote on conservative reform supporter Fred Sauer, as well a …
Anti-PAC State Senator Meets with Take Back
Yesterday Operations Director Justin Hill and Executive Director John Pudner, had a great time meeting with Alabama state Senator Trip Pittman. Sen. Pittman survived a plane crash and later ran for State Senate, winning a 5-person primary race with a mailer using the PacMan game theme to campaign on the need for elected officials to focus …
Watch Professor Richard Painter’s Interview on “None of the Above”
To hear a refreshing perspective on campaign finance reform, click here today!
Take Back holds second Missouri chapter meeting, continues tour of state
Take Back Our Republic held it’s second chapter meeting in as many days, and stopped by to see our Kansas City based legal team. Executive Director John Pudner along with Regional Coordinator Jacob Scott and Take Back board member Rob Schaaf will continue touring the state before concluding tomorrow afternoon in St. Louis. Below you …
Take Back holds second Missouri chapter meeting, continues tour of state Read More »
1st of 13 stops in Take Back tour of Missouri
Last night on the 1st of 13 scheduled stops in Missouri, TBOR Regional Coordinator Jacob Scott and Board member Rob Schaaf kicked off the tour of the state when they shared their case for conservative solutions to campaign finance reform in front of a group of 20+. The tour of Missouri will conclude this Friday …
Pudner To Participate in National Leadership Conference
Click here to learn more about the American Promise’s National Citizen Leadership Conference.
Take Back On The Josh Tolley Radio Show
This morning Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner was interviewed by Josh Tolley on his nationally syndicated radio show. Click the link below and scroll to the 18:14 minute mark to hear John’s segment of the show! http://gcnlive.com/JW1D/index.php/archivespage?showCode=19
HBO showtimes for documentary “Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk”
Take Back Our Republic was recently included in director Alexandra Pelosi’s new HBO documentary “Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk”. Below you can find a complete listing of showtimes for the month of August. You may also stream the documentary live at anytime with either the HBO GO or HBO NOW apps. 1. Mon, …
HBO showtimes for documentary “Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk” Read More »
Kochs lose; NBC interviews TBOR ED on Ryan
While TBOR does not advocate the election or defeat of any candidate, the volatile election activity over the last few days offered three new examples of why conservatives should be focused on money in politics; 1) the Koch brothers loss and opposition to an anti-corruption referendum, 2) NBC’s interview with me on Speaker Paul Ryan’s primary challenge, …
TBOR Holds Administrative Costs to 13.4%
The recently completed audit of Take Back Our Republic shows the non-profit spent only 13.4% of funds raised on Administrative Costs, roughly one-third the average 36.9% non-profits spend on overhead. “Every TBOR team member hits the ground running and focuses on implementing our programs 24×7,” said Executive Director John Pudner. “We strive to spend all …
TBOR Featured in HBO film asking to whom Jesus would contribute
In the just-concluded HBO debut of “Meet the Donors; Does Money Talk?“, Alexandra Pelosi asks some lighthearted questions of big donors such as to whom would Jesus contribute? Our Northeast Coordinator Paul Lichstein and I helped wrap up the commentary from reformers prior to former Virginia Republican Congressman Tom Davis. The Take Back Our Republic debut …
TBOR Featured in HBO film asking to whom Jesus would contribute Read More »
Take Back at the DNC
Take Back Our Republic has been active at the Democratic National Convention this week in Philadelphia. Policy associate Rita Wang spoke with Elizabeth Warren about Take Back and the need for campaign finance reform in between events.
Take Back at DNC
After getting major coverage at RNC in Cleveland from media interested in a group taking a message of campaign finance reform to conservatives, Take Back Our Republic is represented by Paul Lichstein and Rita Wang (pictured below) at DNC in Philadelphia starting today. Wang came to the group after working with progressive groups as a …
USA Today, Weekly Standard, HuffPost cover TBOR at RNC
The best of RNC for Take Back Our Republic? Platform language adopted Monday? Coverage by USA Today, Weekly Standard, Huffington Post? … or could it be fellow campaign finance reform advocate Headcount getting us two hours next to one of Rolling Stones’ greatest 100 guitarists of all time, Robert Randolph. Pictures are worth 1000 words, so …
USA Today, Weekly Standard, HuffPost cover TBOR at RNC Read More »
TBOR Featured in NPR’s Morning Edition
John Pudner, executive director of an Alabama-based campaign-finance reform group called Take Back Our Republic, said the political money system creates winners and losers in government spending decisions. He said, “If you start letting foreign entities put money in and basically get taxpayer benefits out of it, that would seem to me the worst of …
Platform Win, 81 Co-Sponsors, all-night drive, Kaine(?) & Pence
INDIANAPOLIS – During an all-night drive to our third Wisconsin TBOR meeting (see Facebook photo and video below), I learned from our Sr. Policy Director Chuck Cunningham that TBOR Educational Paper items won support in the Republican Platform and from 81 co-sponsors before Congress left for recess. Making Case to VP Nominees. We build on this …
Platform Win, 81 Co-Sponsors, all-night drive, Kaine(?) & Pence Read More »
Press Secretary works the phones for Take Back
Take Back Our Republic press secretary Jared Thomas called reporters from all over the country today spreading the word on and drumming up interest on all of our upcoming events.
Final Pre-Convention Event: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Milwaukee
The last Take Back Our Republic event prior to the start of the two conventions will be held Thursday at 11:30 am at the Milwaukee Athletic Club. Please RSVP to kristir@takeback.org or call 334.329.7258 to attend.
Take Back Welcomes Our Newest Team Member
Take Back would like to welcome our newest team member! Lacy Campbell joined us this week, Lacy will be handling bookkeeping as well as assisting with research. Lacy is a recent graduate of Auburn University, an alum of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and served on Auburn’s SGA student senate. The entire team is excited to …
Which Fourth of July?
HARRISBURG, PA – Happy Independence Day from Take Back Our Republic! Today take your cue from John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They agreed 240 years ago today to sign the Declaration of Independence throwing off foreign control, then fought bitterly on virtually every issue for 50 years…until, amazingly, they both passed away on the 50th …
Bill Moyers Piece Quotes TBOR ED On Foreign Donations
A Bill Moyers piece by Kathy Kiely on the ease with which foreign money can be spent on American campaigns through a practice that would be stopped by HR4177. See the full story here. The following are excerpts: 2. Credit cards Another potential avenue for illegal foreign contributions is credit cards, warned John Pudner, a …
Bill Moyers Piece Quotes TBOR ED On Foreign Donations Read More »
Action Expected After Entire House Administration Committee Co-Sponsors “Stop Foreign Donations Affecting our Elections Act of 2015
” Washington, DC – Amidst breaking Supreme Court decisions and partisan fighting over the House sit in, a rare point of unity emerged as every member of both political parties on the House Administration Committee agreed to co-sponsor the “Stop Foreign Donations Affecting Our Elections Act of 2015” (HR4177). This measure amends the “Federal Election …
TBOR Featured in Daily Caller: Foreign Donors Use Non-Profits To Influence Politicians, Experts Warn.
The panel members, including Norman J. Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute, Melissa Yeager of the Sunlight Foundation, Shelia Krumholz of the Center for Responsive Politics and John Pudner of Take Back Our Republic, all seemed to agree that lack of disclosure casts a major shadow on campaign finance law. Single-candidate non-profits like The Clinton Foundation have been …
It’s no secret that companies see political contributions to U.S. elections as an investment—and foreign entities are no different. “People everywhere know that political investment is a tremendous investment,” said John Pudner, executive director of the conservative campaign-finance reform group Take Back Our Republic and a former political consultant. The fact that foreign donations are …
Foreign Campaign Money Subject of FEC Forum
Take Back was recently highlighted in reporter Ken Doyle’s BNA article on foreign campaign money. To read the article in it’s entirety click Here!
Trump Supporters Agree: It’s Political Money (Stupid)
In the War Room, Bill Clinton’s political consultant James Carville says famously, “It’s the economy stupid!” noting that is the focus of voters. NBC’s survey of attendees at Trump rallies indicates the 2016 version may be, “It’s Political Money, Stupid!” Based on Benjy Sarlin’s interviews of attendees, money in politics is the biggest motivator – …
Trump Supporters Agree: It’s Political Money (Stupid) Read More »
TBOR Featured in Bloomberg’s Money and Politics Report
The new Kilmer-Hanna legislation would require groups that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c) of the tax code to check a box on their annual returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service declaring that they did not use foreign donations for campaign activities, Kilmer’s statement said. The measure also would require these organizations to certify in …
TBOR Featured in Bloomberg’s Money and Politics Report Read More »
TBOR Featured in Bloomberg’s Money and Politics Report
The new Kilmer-Hanna legislation would require groups that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c) of the tax code to check a box on their annual returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service declaring that they did not use foreign donations for campaign activities, Kilmer’s statement said. The measure also would require these organizations to certify in …
TBOR Featured in Bloomberg’s Money and Politics Report Read More »
Take Back Our Republic announces New York coordinator
For Immediate Release Contact: press@takeback.org Press Secretary: Jared Thomas Phone: 404-663-3646 New York’s Joe Murphy joins non-profit’s national campaign finance reform effort Auburn, AL (June 17, 2016) – National non-profit Take Back Our Republic (TBOR) has announced the selection of Joe Murphy, a native New Yorker, as the state coordinator …
Take Back Our Republic announces New York coordinator Read More »
Rise of Scam Packs
Scam Pacs are adding a whole new dimesion to Dark Money. This video by Ken Vogel discussing these Pacs is definitely worth the watch. Click here to watch the interview.
Prayers for Orlando
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Take Back Our Republic pour out to the 50 who lost their lives in the mass shooting in Orlando, as well as to their families and all the others injured in the attack. A special thanks to the SWAT team and other first responders who certainly prevented even …
BREAKING: Speaker Hubbard Found Guilty
AUBURN, AL – Late Friday night word came from the courthouse seven miles from our www.takeback.org campaign finance reform headquarters that a jury convicted Speaker Mike Hubbard on 12 felony ethics violations, each carrying up to 20 years in prison. (see al.com) Over the 30 years I spent running political campaigns before starting Take Back …
Microsoft Exec Kicks Off Forum; TBOR ED Presents Tonight
Microsoft’s VP of Technology & Civic Engagement (Dan’l Lewin, right in photo) kicked off the Civic Hall’s Personal Democracy Forum 2016, and TBOR’s Executive Director (John Pudner, left in photo) will present at 4 p.m. Thursday. Pudner will cover how an open source “People’s Democracy Playbook,” can enable candidates to be elected without being addicted …
Microsoft Exec Kicks Off Forum; TBOR ED Presents Tonight Read More »
TBOR ED Talks with Cruz Months After Libertarian Johnson Joins TBOR
If TBOR’s conversations with leading Presidential candidates is any indicator, campaign finance reform could be silver lining to an election cycle that frustrates so many voters. Take Back does not support or oppose candidates, but continues to make the case to Presidential candidates before, during and after they run. Sunday Ted Cruz and TBOR ED John …
TBOR ED Talks with Cruz Months After Libertarian Johnson Joins TBOR Read More »
Good to see RollCall shed some light on the disconnect between political speech and political dollars
Check out Roll Call’s article on Lobbyist donations in the 2016 election cycle. It’s well worth the read! Roll Call
Take Back featured in The American Prospect
Take Back executive director John Pudner recently weighed in on the stances of this years presidential candidates in regards to campaign finance reform. “The irony we have right now is that Trump has actually talked a lot about money in politics but doesn’t have a platform on it” says Pudner. “And Hillary has a platform …
Take Back welcomes final summer intern! Learn more about Rita here!
This is Rita Wang. I’m ecstatic to be able to join Take Back as the latest policy intern. I’m currently a rising sophomore at Yale University where I am potentially majoring in philosophy. In my free time, I do political economy and gender research for Professor Frances Rosenbluth, debate with the Yale Political Union, …
Take Back welcomes final summer intern! Learn more about Rita here! Read More »
Meet the New Boss …
Kudos to Gabrielle Bluestone for her “Meet the New Boss” tagline from The Who song “Won’t Get Fooled Again” in this story. The line is in reference to the investigation of the current Virginia Democratic Governor being investigated while the most recent Republican Governor waits to hear if the US Supreme Court will overturn his conviction. …
Buy Dr. Richard Painter’s Taxation Only With Representation Today!
Dr. Richard Painters Taxation Only With Representation: The Conservative Conscience and Campaign Finance Reform is available for sale today! To place your order, click here.
D.C. Consultants Get Windfall From ‘Dark Money’ Nonprofits
Much of the money funneled into election and issue campaigns via nonprofit “dark money” groups ends up with a handful of political-advertising and -consulting firms in Washington and its environs, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. In several cases, such 501(c)(4) social-welfare organizations, which are not required to disclose their funding sources, spent most or …
D.C. Consultants Get Windfall From ‘Dark Money’ Nonprofits Read More »
John Pudner Quoted in CQ Researcher
The status of the deadlocked FEC is another crucial factor. Silver, Hasen and John Pudner, executive director of Take Back Our Republic, say the FEC can’t be effective with six commissioners- three from each party- who divide along party lines. “We’ve got to figure out a way to have someone nonpartisan appointed to break ties,” …
Painter Provides Testimony in Federal Court in Alaska on Money in Politics
Recently, TBOR board member and constitutional scholar Dr. Richard Painter provided testimony in a campaign corruption case in Alaska. Richard Painter, a University of Minnesota law professor who appeared as an expert witness for the state told the court, “Elected officials should be dependent on voters. It’s the money that corrupts people — not voters.” …
Painter Provides Testimony in Federal Court in Alaska on Money in Politics Read More »
4,024,045,000 Page Views
From the Seattle Times to the NY Times, and from MSNBC to FoxNews.com, publishers that covered www.takeback.org account for 4,024,045,000 page views based on a comparison of the list of media hits for www.takeback.org and the new Similar Web rankings. The Drudge Report story (circled in photo) quoting the Executive Director for www.takeback.org, and in …
Josh Naponiello’s thoughts on his first days as Take Back’s newest intern
Hi Everyone! My name is Josh Naponiello. I am a Freshman at Dominican University in River Forest Illinois where I am majoring in Political Science; and, I am Take Back Our Republic’s newest intern for the summer of 2016. The first thought I had stepping into Take Back’s Auburn office was how welcoming and …
Josh Naponiello’s thoughts on his first days as Take Back’s newest intern Read More »
TBOR Board Expands with Leaders from throughout US
Auburn, AL – Distinguished business, political and community leaders from across the country accepted positions on the National Board of Governors for Take Back Our Republic, an independent nonpartisan group that is focusing on conservative solutions to problems with the campaign finance system. Please click the names of each of the 10 new members, listed …
TBOR Board Expands with Leaders from throughout US Read More »
Washington Post Quotes Take Back
If Trump “makes it clear he wants to change the rules, but he’s stuck playing under them, I don’t think there will be a big turn-off,” said conservative political consultant John Pudner, whose group Take Back Our Republic seeks to reduce the influence of the wealthy on politics. “But if it looks like he’s just …
John Pudner a Guest on Tamara Scott’s “Truth for Our Time” Show
Thanks to Tamara Scott of Iowa for having me as a guest on her show on Friday, April 29th. I enjoyed discussing conservative solutions to campaign finance reform and money in politics with her. To hear the interview, click here.
Brat Reunion Re: Tax Credit; Virginia Meetings
En route to the first meeting of an expanded Board of Directors in Washington DC, our team met with key people in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Haleigh Herring, who coordinates our fundraising and scheduling, met with Advisory Board Member Curtis Colgate (photo left, Advisory Board announcement here). John Pudner had a great reunion with two …
Former Miami-area Mayor, Conservative Reformer, Joins Advisory Board
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 28, 2016 Contact: press@takeback.org 404-663-3646 Jared S. Thomas, Press Secretary Auburn, AL –A former Miami area Mayor who successfully took on and defeated a big money attempt to have taxpayers fund their football stadium joins the Advisory Board today. Former Cutler Bay Mayor Ed MacDougall successfully fought and helped stop …
Former Miami-area Mayor, Conservative Reformer, Joins Advisory Board Read More »
Icitizen poll results are in
Take Back Our Republic recently partnered with Icitizen, a Nashville based organization, who’s goal is to connect you with your elected officials to be heard on the civic issues you care about using app based polling on local, state, and federal levels. Our first poll with Icitizen closed just last week and the results speak for …
Daily Caller Runs Op-Ed By TBOR Lobbyist on Foreign Contributions
by Chuck Cunningham, Lobbyist There is little dispute that campaign contributions can influence desired political outcomes. After all, money is the mother’s milk of politics. Some special interests buy favor that some politicians are seemingly too willing, and even sometimes eager, to sell. But before you react in righteous indignation over the quid-pro-quo of political …
Daily Caller Runs Op-Ed By TBOR Lobbyist on Foreign Contributions Read More »
Open Letter Supporting Alabama Disclosure Legislation
The following is an open letter sent this morning to Alabamians, asking for their support for a state bill that would let voters decide if they want out-of-state dark money and/or other illicit political contributions disclosed. People were so excited about Senator Orr’s bill, that every phone in our office is being used to call …
Open Letter Supporting Alabama Disclosure Legislation Read More »
Tax Day, Arrest, Cash in Harbor
If you have a google alert for “Take Back Our Republic,” then you received stories from USA Today, NewsMax, Reuters and Bill Moyers based on an arrest in DC, throwing campaign cash in the Boston Harbor, and tax credit request on tax day. See below: Boston Harbor campaign cash Capitol Hill protest Co-Sponsors to stop …
White House to look at TBOR Proposal
Josh Earnest concluded yesterday’s White House briefing by telling reporters the White House would take a look at the proposal from Take Back Our Republic to restore the tax credit for small political contributions, as reported by NewsMax. < Veteran reporter John Gizzi of Newsmax asked about the initiative by Take Back Our Republic at …
TBOR’S Democracy Spring Efforts Covered by West Virginia’s The Register-Herald
Illustrating how widely anger resonates over the role of money in campaigns, former Republican operative John Pudner joined a segment of the march from Philadelphia to Washington last week in northern Maryland. Pudner is former campaign strategist for Rep. Dave Brat, R-Virginia, who unseated House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the 2014 primary. Now executive …
TBOR’S Democracy Spring Efforts Covered by West Virginia’s The Register-Herald Read More »
Video Worth a Thousand Words: YouTube Channel Launched
We blog thousands of words on the state chapters, policy and media breakthroughs for Take Back Our Republic, but until now we lacked videos. The Take Back Our Republic YouTube Channel fills that void. From today’s update from New York on the week of the primaries, to five videos along the 17.5 mile march that included …
Video Worth a Thousand Words: YouTube Channel Launched Read More »
Truthout Interview with Kai Newkirk Highlights TBOR Participation in Democracy Spring
How are you planning on keeping the coalition together, and growing and strengthening it for the long haul? First of all I think that we have already taken this huge step in building the coalition. There’s a breadth of the movement that’s perhaps unprecedented in recent history. The groups have different levels of comfort surrounding …
Truthout Interview with Kai Newkirk Highlights TBOR Participation in Democracy Spring Read More »
Trevor Potter Praises TBOR on BillMoyers.com
Trevor Potter: I don’t know if you’ve talked to them, but there’s a group called Take Back Our Republic. There’s a Republican conservative activist, John Pudner, who’s had years of history in the trenches working for conservative Republican groups, pro-life groups. He was involved in the Brat race against Eric Cantor, and he’s now leading …
Take Back Our Republic Selected to Participate in Innovative Political Game Changers Project
Let’s make our democracy work for the many and not just the few. The Pluribus Project ─ a special initiative with the Aspen Institute ─ is changing the way political campaigns are run and won, so our elected officials work on behalf of broad public interests instead of moneyed interests or angry extremists. Our project …
Harvard Crimson Covers Panel Featuring Executive Director John Pudner and Dr. Richard Painter
John Pudner, executive director of Take Back Our Republic, a conservative group, said although Republican frontrunner Donald J. Trump has come closest to addressing campaign finance reform, even the business tycoon has never gone beyond mentioning it as a problem. “I don’t think Trump has ever proposed a solution,” Pudner said. The entire article can …
Take Back Tops Front Page of 8th Most Popular Political Website
Sunday Breitbart ran a post by Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner at the top of their front page. The piece was also sent out by Google in their Daily Report on campaign finance reform. Breitbart, ranked as the 8th most popular political website by eBiz, balanced supportive and critical posts, as well as …
Take Back Tops Front Page of 8th Most Popular Political Website Read More »
At Harvard: Pudner Cites HSUS as Example of Why Conservatives Should Join Fight on Big Money Politics
With the Final Four this weekend, we kept the college spirit with TBOR Executive Director John Pudner joining Board Member Dr. Richard Painter at Painter’s alma mater Harvard for comments on campaign finance reform. While Laura MacLeery of the Brennan Center and Max Stahl of Democracy Matters made the progressive case regarding big money from industry and …
John Pudner Featured in Bill Moyers.com
But John Pudner, a former Republican political consultant who now heads a nonprofit group focused on money’s role in politics, Take Back Our Republic, said he’s seen some encouraging comments from Republican candidates and lawmakers, and he thinks some are considering laying out a platform. “Campaign finance and money in politics has become such a hot …
John Pudner Featured in BillMoyers.com
“But John Pudner, a former Republican political consultant who now heads a nonprofit group focused on money’s role in politics, Take Back Our Republic, said he’s seen some encouraging comments from Republican candidates and lawmakers, and he thinks some are considering laying out a platform. “Campaign finance and money in politics has become such a hot …
Country Music Star, Distinguished Advisory Board Promote TBOR
Auburn, AL – Wednesday’s announcement of distinguished Advisory Board Members from throughout the United States comes the day after a visit from Country Rocker Donica Knight, whose song Love Ain’t A Prize was the No. 1 iTunes new country release late in 2015. We appreciate Donica already spreading the word about www.takeback.org as she has …
Country Music Star, Distinguished Advisory Board Promote TBOR Read More »
Coulson to Chair National Board of Advisors
Auburn, AL – Beth Coulson has accepted a position on the National Board of Advisors for Take Back Our Republic, an independent nonpartisan group that is focusing on conservative solutions to problems with the campaign finance system. “I welcome the opportunity to give more people a voice in the political process,” Coulson said. “I look …
Thousands Comment on Breitbart Op-Ed Giving Background on Take Back
Breitbart’s excellent piece on the “Democracy Spring” effort to call attention to money in politics included a well-written summary of the founding and mission of Take Back Our Republic, as well as another paragraph on one of our Board Members, Richard Painter. While I realize there is some sensitivity about protests because of the ones …
Thousands Comment on Breitbart Op-Ed Giving Background on Take Back Read More »
Take Back ED John Pudner Quoted in NMPolitics.net article
“Voters are turned off by the big money” Take Back’s John Pudner in a recent NMPolitics.net article. Click the link below for the full story. NMPolitics.net
Republicans, Democrats urge Obama to sign transparency order
“What makes this broken process so troubling is that in 2013 alone, the U.S. government spent roughly $460 billion on federal contracts with $177 billion going to just 25 companies. And all of those taxpayer dollars were handed out to contractors who have the ability to quietly funnel money to politicians and political parties without …
Republicans, Democrats urge Obama to sign transparency order Read More »
Indictment, Debate, Beach-to-Beach Politics
Three updates that will debunk myths people use to avoid supporting Take Back Our Republic’s conservative solutions to campaign finance reform: 1) a political indictment in San Diego for $500,000 in illegal foreign contributions, 2) our Florida chapter came together quickly with the backdrop of party gatherings and back-to-back Presidential debates during which 3) almost …
Take Back Our Republic quoted in The American Prospect
Take Back Our Republic was recently quoted in The American Prospects Campaign Finance Wish List article. To read the full article click the link below. Campaign Finance Wish List
Miami Debate 1 Recap
MIAMI – As Our Regional Coordinators from the West Coast (Francis Johnson) to the Southeast (Joe Comerford) and I converged in Miami along with all six Presidential candidates and their supporters, the first debate featured the candidates being prevented from talking about campaign finance reform. Many complain about politicians not coming up with real solutions …
Speak out about campaign finance reform
Today, we published a poll on icitizen, a free mobile app that helps raise awareness for civic issues, on Campaign Donation Transparency. icitizen will deliver these results to elected officials when the poll closes March 18th. We encourage all of you to vote in the icitizen app. Make your voices count on campaign finance! To …
Another Insider Says Enough is Enough
Add David DiPietro to the list of insiders who want an end to the ridiculous aspects of our campaign finance system. DiPietro, the past Republican Chair of the Broward County Florida, is a lawyer who was in the inner circle for Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush. Broward, the 18th largest county in the country, includes Ft. Lauderdale …
Use “TheChisel” to Offset Big Political Money
Thank you for your support of Take Back Our Republic as we educate the public on the price we all pay for our current campaign finance system. We are about to launch a totally new way to make your voice heard, and your active involvement is critical to its success. Please join a totally new way …
Daily Caller Latest of Top 16 Conservative Outlets to Cover Push for Disclosing Gifts from Government Contractors
Add The Daily Caller to the conservative outlets linking to our comments in support of an executive order to disclose gifts from government contractors receiving billions of dollars in taxpayer money. Representatives of four of the top 16 conservative sites according to Right Wing News have taken interest in the issue. This in addition to …
Fox News Meghan McCain Interviews John Pudner of Take Back Our Republic.
Listen to John Pudner’s interview with Fox News Meghan McCain on the need to ensure government contractors reveal their political contributions before receiving billions in taxpayer money. Fox News Meghan McCain interview
Snow, 86°, 64 Hours, 5463 miles
In just 64 hours I covered 4,616 air miles, a 747-mile drive, and speaking in snow then 86° then sunshine outside the White House before joining a night time meeting in Denver. All this to make the point that any union or corporation should disclose millions in political contributions if they are receiving billions in taxpayer …
Washington Times Op-Ed by Executive Director John Pudner
Take Back Our Republic executive director John Pudner recently had an Op-Ed published in the Washington Times on stopping government contractors from giving secret political donations. See the link below for the full article. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/feb/15/john-pudner-executive-order-transparency-conservat/
White House Rally moved to Wednesday Feb.17th at 11:30am
Due to the threat of inclement weather we have moved the White House rally to Wednesday Feb. 17th at 11:30am The updated flyer can be downloaded here: Rally Flyer updated
Another Candidate Supporting Conservative Campaign Finance Reform Surges
Note: After sending the email below on the surge for candidates after they talk about the need for campaign finance reform, I was tweeted video of John Kasich from one of his supporters making the case that he had made the strongest statement in favor of conservative campaign finance reform during the New Hampshire campaign. We …
Another Candidate Supporting Conservative Campaign Finance Reform Surges Read More »
Join Our Town Hall the Night After New Hampshire – Wed. 8 pm ET
Many of you received a phone call in the past hour inviting you to join our Town Hall meeting by telephone Wednesday/tomorrow around 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Central. If you did NOT receive the call please email justinh@takeback.org or call 334.329.7259 to add your number to the list for the call. We will call you …
Join Our Town Hall the Night After New Hampshire – Wed. 8 pm ET Read More »
Let Your Voice Be Heard! Join Take Back At Our White House Rally Feb. 15
Government contractors, unions and special interests getting billions in your tax money through government contracts should reveal the millions they are giving politicians. If you agree, call the White House at 202.456.1414 and ask that President Obama sign the executive order requiring government contractors to reveal how much they are giving politicians. If you live …
Let Your Voice Be Heard! Join Take Back At Our White House Rally Feb. 15 Read More »
Unexpected snow in New Hampshire does not stop Take Back
An unexpected heavy snow fall in New Hampshire did not deter Dr. Richard Painter (Board Member), staff, media outlets, and residents from getting to a snow covered tent in Manchester Friday. Hundreds of activists, along with media outlets from across the country this weekend will get to here Dr. Painter and John speak on campaign …
Unexpected snow in New Hampshire does not stop Take Back Read More »
Dr. Painter: The Conservative Case for Campaign-Finance Reform
Many called us about the great op-ed by Dr. Richard Painter, a Member of Our Board, in the New York Times. If you did miss it, please click here to take a look.
Board to Expand; Thank You to the Founding Members (bios included)
Take Back Our Republic will be announcing fabulous new additions to the Board of Directors in the months ahead. But first, a thank you to the initial three Board Members (who will continue to serve on the expanded Board) – with whom the first year of successes would never have been possible. MARK MCKINNON HK …
Board to Expand; Thank You to the Founding Members (bios included) Read More »
Former Governor Jim Gilmore gets first look at Taxation Only with Representation
Take Back Our Republic operations director Justin Hill, along with volunteer Max Norwood recently presented former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore with a copy of Dr. Richard Painters Taxation only with Representation.
Take Back Our Republic gets the last word in New York Times article on 2016 presidential campaign
Take Back Our Republic appreciates the New York Times giving Executive Director John Pudner the last word (closing Paragraph) in its recent article on how Trump has broken down the old SuperPac-bundler model. “The traditional campaign spends most of its time raising money so that it can pay to get its message out,” said John …
New York Event Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. – Please RSVP and Invite Friends!
After the great reception for Taxation Only With Representation in Washington and New Hampshire, we are taking the book on the road! Please look over the schedule and encourage anyone you know to come to any of these events: Lebanon, New Hampshire, Monday, January 25 New York, Tuesday, January 26 (Berkshire Capitol, 155 Madison Avenue, New …
New York Event Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. – Please RSVP and Invite Friends! Read More »
Presidential Campaigns Get 1st Look at New Book
As Presidential campaigns gathered in Nashua, New Hampshire Friday night, members of Take Back provided copies of the new book, Taxation Only With Representation, The Conservative Conscience and Campaign Finance Reform. Operations Director Justin Hill (far left, top photo) and Carly Fiorina in Nashua Friday. The Take Back staff supplied copies of the book to representatives …
Take Back Our Republic Executive Director Speaks at Brookings Institute
Take Back Our Republic officially released its first book on campaign finance reform, Taxation Only With Representation, at Thursday’s (1/21) campaign finance solutions summit at the Brookings Institute. Pudner was on a three-member panel with Mike Petro of the pro-business Committee on Economic Development and Peter Schweitzer, the author of Clinton Cash.
Order “Taxation Only With Representation” Today!
This book is the first comprehensive discussion of corruption in campaign finance from the viewpoint of a political conservative. In this book, Richard Painter discusses how our money driven campaign system undermines the vision of our Founding Fathers and just about every principle that conservatives believe in. Painter then lays out a plan for reform …
Order “Taxation Only With Representation” Today! Read More »
Taxation only with Representation
The fast start to 2016 continues! The Hill noted long-time NRA lobbyist Chuck Cunningham joined the team, the book tour for Take Back Our Republic’s first book (“Taxation Only With Representation,” by Dr. Richard Painter) starts this month (see schedule below), and Press Aide Suzanne Norman from Auburn University (via a Harvard-based intern program) hit the ground running with …
“Dark money’ in politics quickly growing” Associated Press quotes John Pudner on campaign finance reform.
Dark money’ in politics quickly growing BY GEOFF MULVIHILL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Posted: Sunday, January 3, 2016 12:00 am CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Just before Rhode Island voters chose their governor in 2014, a group in Ohio transferred $730,000 from secret donors to another Ohio organization that spent the money on television ads …
Tonight’s debate, Al-Jazeera, our legislation
Tonight’s debate, Al–Jazeera, our legislation Six days after Al–Jazeera America attacked our proposal to make sure unverified credit card contributions were not coming from overseas, Tuesday’s Presidential debate featured renewed charges that Iran is receiving $150 billion even if they ultimately reject the compromise agreed upon with The United States and the international community earlier …
Congressmen praise Take Back Our Republic
From left to right, John Pudner (Executive Director, Take Back Our Republic), Congressman Paul Gosar (Arizona sponsor of legislation to stop unverified credit card contributions) and Louie Gohmert (Texas co-sponsor) at a press conference on Capitol Hill. Congressman Walter Jones (North Carolina) later joined the others as all three Congressman praised Take Back Our Republic …
2 hours to give, 2 victories (over porn & unverified political contributions)
Please make your tax deductible contributions now so that we can continue to educate the public on issues such as political contributions from international porn companies and the potential for millions in unverified credit card contributions from overseas and other illegal sources. The concern over the impact of this money on our political process is so great …
2 hours to give, 2 victories (over porn & unverified political contributions) Read More »
Getting through (literal) mud-slinging to Presidential Candidates
Getting through (literal) mud-slinging to Presidential Candidates An open letter to all Presidential campaigns – we proved this week that even mud-slinging will not stop us from getting to each and every Presidential candidate regarding conservative solutions for campaign finance reform (see Bloomberg story today, and recent New Hampshire and Wisconsin interviews). This week we …
Getting through (literal) mud-slinging to Presidential Candidates Read More »
Legislation Targets Credit-Card Campaign Contributions
By Kenneth P. Doyle Dec. 2 — New requirements to verify online campaign contributions made by credit card would be imposed by Republican-backed legislation set to be introduced in the House Dec. 3. The new measure, the Stop Foreign Donations Affecting Our Elections Act of 2015, is intended to block illegal foreign campaign contributions from …
Legislation Targets Credit-Card Campaign Contributions Read More »
White Thanksgiving, skeletons & 13% support for WI bill
Five days in the land of President Obama (Chicago) and Governor Walker (Wisconsin) culminated with Thanksgiving week snow and legislative proposals regarding unpopular attempts to hide who is giving millions of dollars (including illegal foreign money) to political campaigns. The timing of the visit was important. At a time when the US faces serious foreign …
White Thanksgiving, skeletons & 13% support for WI bill Read More »
An interesting recent vote on a money in politics issue
The Roanoke Star reported on voters once again speaking out in favor of addressing corruption related to money in politics. There are many groups advocating most liberal solutions to money in politics, and obviously Take Back Our Republic is more focused on conservative solutions, Represent Us, which led the charge on this vote, is one group that really seems to work toward …
An interesting recent vote on a money in politics issue Read More »
Debate Watchers: Campaign Finance 1 of Top 4 Campaign Issues
_At 10:20 p.m. Tuesday, Fox Business debunked the myth that no one votes based on campaign finance with one graphic,_ according to John Pudner, Executive Director of Take Back Our Republic, referring to a graphic shown during the Republican debate indicating it was one of the top four issues on the mind of voters. “A …
Debate Watchers: Campaign Finance 1 of Top 4 Campaign Issues Read More »
Voters reject big money in ME, OH, KY, WA & CA
In the wake of last night’s big election wins for people concerned about money in politics, I hope you will tune intoNew Hampshire’s only statewide call-in radio shownext Tuesday (November 10) from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. where I will be a guest. Also, I will address last night’s election results tomorrow at the Georgia …
8 days, 8 states & 44 media stories, venues
We were recently asked how so few people could hope to educate so many on conservative solutions to money in politics. To find out, feel free to attend any of the www.takeback.org meetings run by John Pudner in the next 8 days in NH, CT, MA, OK, KS, MO, GA or Take Back Our Republic’s …
Quoted by NY Times; reserve copy of our 1st book
The New York Times recently quoted me for the perspective ofTake Back Our Republicon the growing power of small donors to counter balance mega donors. Click on this image for the entire story. When we launched our efforts many doubted how small donors could offset mega donors. In less than a year, Take Back Our …
Quoted by NY Times; reserve copy of our 1st book Read More »
Exciting Hill Visit Caps Best Week Yet
We visited 11 states and had a record-setting fundraising week between our first press conference on Capitol Hill July 27 and Thursday’s return trip (click on image below for full Roll Call article). Shortly thereafter, Representative Kevin McCarthy announced he would not be Speaker Boehner’s replacement and Open Secrets (click for full story) noted either …
Multiple GOP Candidates Address Money in Politics
BOSTON – _When we launched Take Back Our Republic in January, we were told no Republicans were concerned about money in politics,_ according to John Pudner, who commented from Boston after an interview with a conservative talk radio show, just prior to the GOP debate. Eight months later, multiple Republican candidates for President felt the …
Multiple GOP Candidates Address Money in Politics Read More »
Conservative Solutions for Campaign Finance Reform
Ohio Conservative Review We Can Honor the Grassroots Money and the Constitution as We Reform Campaign Finance Campaign finance reform.This phrase seems to have become synonymous with progressive policies like top-down government mandates and financial restrictions. It_s time to change that. Ahead of the 2016 election cycle, the issue of money in politics and the …
Conservative Solutions for Campaign Finance Reform Read More »
Closing Credit Card Loopholes
Take Back Our Republic believes strongly in the important role of contributions from individuals in providing funding to political campaigns. Increasing the role of individual citizens in the American political system lies at the heart of our mission, whether they choose to exercise their political rights through financial contributions, active involvement in political campaigns, or …
Legal notices regarding Take Back Our Republic Registration to Raise Funds in Each State
Please review for legal disclosures regarding Take Back Our Republic efforts in your state: A copy of our latest financial statement may be obtained by writing to Take Back Our Republic, 246 E. Glenn Avenue Auburn, AL 36830. If you are a resident of one of these states, you may obtain financial information directly from …
Legal notices regarding Take Back Our Republic Registration to Raise Funds in Each State Read More »
The Georgia debut of a new campaign finance overhaul push
By Greg Bluestein, AJC.com A conservative watchdog group will debut in Georgia a national push to close what it calls a glaring campaign finance loophole. Take Back Our Republic set to launch an effort in Georgia next year for legislation that would require banks to verify that all credit card contributions to campaigns are from …
The Georgia debut of a new campaign finance overhaul push Read More »
State Wisconsin Chapter Kicks Off Efforts with Smyczek as Coordinator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jared Thomas404.663.3646press@takeback.org Auburn, AL _James Smyczek of Wisconsin had one of the first State Chapter meetings for Take Back Our Republic in Fond du Lac (see photo below). Smyczek is the marketing manager for a nationally leading biochemical manufacturing company, and will serve as the state coordinator for the non-profit’s Wisconsin …
State Wisconsin Chapter Kicks Off Efforts with Smyczek as Coordinator Read More »
Influence of wealthy donors becoming an issue in GOP primaries
TBOR Executive Director John Pudner quoted in article below regarding campaign finance reform. MSNBCByBenjy Sarlin …Campaign finance advocacy groups tend to be dominated by progressive activists, but some on the right are trying to turn Republican attention to the issue as well while advocating different solutions.Take Back Our Republic, established in 2015, is an organization …
Influence of wealthy donors becoming an issue in GOP primaries Read More »
91 year old coordinator; 5,866 miles – 7 states in 7 days to conclude in Michigan
Executive Director John Pudner of www.takeback.org is logging 5,866 miles in seven weekdays to meet requests from State Coordinators (including 91-year-old Weslie Owen of New Mexico in photo below), the media (click MSNBC story below) and potential donors (Alabama Farmers Check presentation photo below). The trip concludes with State Chapter meetings in New Jersey Monday, …
91 year old coordinator; 5,866 miles – 7 states in 7 days to conclude in Michigan Read More »
TBOR Update
The Ruidoso News announcement of the state meeting of Take Back Our Republic corresponded to an MSNBC story on the group (all 3 news channels have now run web stories with an earlierFox Newsop-edandtweet from the CNNdigital political reporter). Many stories from top conservative outlets and the Washington Post can befound here, but the widespread …
New Jersey Business Owner to Coordinate Tri-State Effort
For Immediate Release Contact: Jared Thomas404.663.3646press@takeback.org HOBOKEN – Paul Lichstein started a business in his Hoboken apartment and built it into a company serving customers on three continents. Now, he is taking on a new challenge as the State Coordinator for Take Back Our Republic in the largest media market in the United States. _I_ve …
New Jersey Business Owner to Coordinate Tri-State Effort Read More »
1st New Mexico Chapter Meeting Thursday, Aug. 20 in Ruidoso
For Immediate Release Contact: Jared Thomas 404.663.3646 press@takeback.org 1st New Mexico Chapter Meeting Thursday, Aug. 20 in Ruidoso Ex-Governor Gary Johnson among Dozens to Sign Up to Join Group RUIDOSO _ In responses to dozens of New Mexico residents signing up to join Take Back Our Republic (www.takeback.org), the first state chapter meeting will be …
1st New Mexico Chapter Meeting Thursday, Aug. 20 in Ruidoso Read More »
Debate Lines on ‘Buying & Selling’ Politicians
“He buys and sells politicians of all stripes,”and“Give (politicians) money, and they’ll do whatever the h… you want.”were two lines in the debate last night. After the debate, no less a conservative than Sean Hannity said, “People contribute for the purpose of buying influence.” If you ever needed a confirmation on why it is important …
Take Back Goes to Washington
Takes Back Goes to Washington by: Beatrice Torralba After 7 months in operation, Take Back Our Republic has quickly formed from an idea from Executive Director, John Pudner, to an impressionable organization recognized for its research and policy advocacy. In establishing the organization, we spent the first months of conception by organizing state coordinators and …
News Alert: Republicans Join Bandwagon on Revamping Campaign Money Rules
By Eliza Newlin Carney – CQ Roll Call The Republican Party has long championed campaign finance deregulation, but a small yet growing number of GOP lawmakers and politicians are joining in calls to overhaul the political money rules. _Conservatives out there in the field want conservative solutions on money in politics,_ said former GOP political …
News Alert: Republicans Join Bandwagon on Revamping Campaign Money Rules Read More »
534 of 535 Congressional Offices, 2 pairs of torn up shoes
I’ve seen candidates wear out shoes, but last week was the first time I saw two people wear out pairs of shoes in 4 days – as Beatrice Torralba and Eric Yang from our office joined me in talking to 534 of 535 Congressional offices. One leader with a major group was shocked to learn …
534 of 535 Congressional Offices, 2 pairs of torn up shoes Read More »
Minnesota Public Radio talks about John Pudner and TBOR
Take Back Our Republic Executive Director John Pudner clashed on one issue with other forum participants – Heather Smith of Rock the Vote, Heather McGhee of Demos and Ben Rattray, the founder of Change.org – moderated by David Leonhart of the New York Times June 30, 2015 at the Aspen Ideas Festival titled, “Disrupting Political …
Minnesota Public Radio talks about John Pudner and TBOR Read More »
Survey — 17,000 Conservatives views on money in politics
Before going to Capitol Hill, we wanted to do three things in each of the 50 states; 1) recruit members for 50 state chapters of www.takeback.org, 2) talk to state media, and 3) run a survey of conservatives and libertarians. Done. Below are the results of our interviews of more than 17,000 conservatives and libertarians …
Survey — 17,000 Conservatives views on money in politics Read More »
Getting Started-My First Week at Take Back Our Republic
July 6th marked my first day as a summer intern for TakeBack Our Republic. Back in the cold winter months when I was trying to put together my plans for the summer I could never have imagined that I would wind up in the heat of Alabama working for a young political start up. I …
Getting Started-My First Week at Take Back Our Republic Read More »
Freedom Fest Recap
Despite the dry heat of Vegas, I would ultimately classify my Freedom Fest experience as a success! I recieved 60 sign up for Take Back as well as discussed our organization’s ideas with political figures including Gary Johnson. The former governor of New Mexico expressed that his main issue in regards to campaign finance is …
Successful Night With the Alabama Farmers Federation
Last week I had the opportunity to head home to Huntsville, where I had the pleasure of meeting with the Farmers Federations of Madison and Limestone Counties in Alabama. I was thrilled to meet and speak with Jimmy Parnell (right in photo), the President of ALFA and the State Farmers Federation, as well as Rex …
Successful Night With the Alabama Farmers Federation Read More »
TBOR is proud to welcome two new members to our team
Read about our new Manager of Administration, Beatrice Torralba, and Gary Howard who is our new Director of Digital Media BEATRICE TORRALBAManager of Administration A recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Beatrice Torralba found her way to TBOR in Auburn, Alabama, by way of the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, England, Northern Ireland, …
TBOR is proud to welcome two new members to our team Read More »
TBOR Welcomes Summer Interns
The first two summer interns are setting a high bar for all who follow. Read the bios on the two incredible interns – Eric Yang from Harvard who is serving as Policy Associate this summer and Alexis Esnault from Spring Hill who is serving as Development Associate. ERIC YANGPolicy Associate When Eric Yang won the …
TBOR Executive Director, John Pudner, Gives Radio Interview on the Viewpoint with Joey Clark
Listen to TBOR Executive Director, John Pudner, in this radio interview on the Viewpoint with Joey Clark. Click here to Listen
TBOR Louisiana Chapter Facebook Group
Hey Everybody, Hope this finds you well. Please like our facebook page (facebook.com/TBORLouisiana), and share with your friends to help us spread our great message! You can be a part of the solution by helping spread the word. Our movement is growing and we’d like you, and all of your freinds, family, and colleagues, to …
TBOR Intern & Development Associate, Alexis Esneault has blog posted by Students for Liberty
The Overlooked Importance of Campaign Finance Reform The following was written by guest blogger, Alexis Esneault, a former Campus Coordinator and member of Alumni For Liberty. She is spending the summer as a Development Associate at Take Back Our Republic before starting law school at Cumberland School of Law in the Fall. Most of the …
Take Back Our Republic team plans at 6-month mark
Take Back Our Republic celebrated its half-year anniversary with planning sessions this week on scheduling, policy, development, communications, state chapters, contact follow-up and compliance. We are blessed to have 23 State Coordinators and others volunteering their time and dozens of donors enabling a great team. While several team members joined meetings by conference call, and …
Take Back Our Republic team plans at 6-month mark Read More »
Weekly Standard Lauds TAKE BACK as Revolutionary: My 1st Ever Visit to Casino & Democratic Convention
TheWeekly Standard, on most everyone_s list of top 10 conservative sites, lauded the idea of tax credits for small political contributions as _revolutionary._ That news came as we had more than a half dozen meetings the past three days in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin _ including two places I would never have visited before taking …
Every Man a Political Donor
A revolutionary campaign finance idea The Weekly StandardBy Jay Cost Writing recently in the Daily Beast, John Pudner of Take Back Our Republic, a conservative reform group, offered an interesting proposal for improving our campaign finance system. He suggested that each political donor receive a tax credit worth up to $200: If our ultimate goal …
The Weekly Standard on Take Back Our Republic
So, What About Money in Politics?The Weekly StandardBY JAY COST “Other than the Center for Competitive Politics, helmed by former Federal Election Commission chairman Bradley Smith, and Take Back Our Republic, a new organization founded by those who helped Dave Brat take down Eric Cantor last year, one is hardpressed to think of conservative entities …
Take Back Our Republic: Louisiana Chapter
Please come check out our new facebook page for the Louisiana Chapter of Take Back Our Republic! https://www.facebook.com/TBORLouisiana Best, York A. Forsyth
GOLDWATER: Political fundraising should come from individuals and individuals alone.
By Ron FeinOctober 14, 2014 Ron Fein is legal director for Free Speech for People. Barry Goldwater_s favorite response to an idea that earned his disdain was _Hell,no._ And that_s exactly how the late senator from Arizona would likely have responded toPost columnist George F. Willafter he attacked a common-sense constitutional amendment that would authorize …
GOLDWATER: Political fundraising should come from individuals and individuals alone. Read More »
Majority of Americans think money plays too big a role in politics
June 2nd, 2015By NICK GASS 6/2/15 8:32 AM EDT Democrats and Republicans alike think money carries too much influence in American politics, according to a poll released Tuesday by The New York Times and CBS News. And a majority of Americans say there needs to be fundamental changes to the way political campaigns are funded …
Majority of Americans think money plays too big a role in politics Read More »
The Tea Party Case Against Mega Donors
The group TBOR Executive Director, John Pudner helped get started is gaining ground across the country. Big donors will never cease to exist but at the very least we can help small donors become engaged and feel a sense of control in the election process. And a sweet side note we can trace and expose …
Video from TBOR Panel Event
Video from the TBOR panel event in Washington, DC this past Monday is now available. Download the video here.
Even President Putin Likely Knows About TAKE BACK After Forum
Note: The packed room at the forum on foreign contributions included a representative of Moscow-based Sputnik. Assuming Vladimir Putin had time to read the paper this morning he is now aware of Take Back Our Republic. Finance experts say that the Clinton Foundation_s acceptance of financial donations from foreign countries is an example of the …
Even President Putin Likely Knows About TAKE BACK After Forum Read More »
USA Today on Take Back Our Republic Forum
May 18th, 2015Fredreka Schouten, USA TODAY “It seems to me that this sends a blank check to any foreign interest,” said John Pudner, a conservative political consultant from Alabama. Pudner gained attention in 2014 for helping a little-known professor Dave Brat toss out then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the Virginia GOP primary. (Brat won …
Foreign Money in US Campaigns, Even From Porn Companies?
From Breitbart NewsBy John Pudner (Executive Director at Take Back Our Republic) In the past two weeks the German founder of an international porn distribution company was convicted of tax evasion stemming from charges he had not paid taxes on $100 million in profits, while Reuters reported that American authorities declined to investigate $327,000 in …
Foreign Money in US Campaigns, Even From Porn Companies? Read More »
How do you educate people about conservative solutions to campaign finance reform?
If you want to educate people at about something like conservative solutions to campaign finance reform, the best place to start is at a barber shop near the State Capitol (Southside Barber has been in Jefferson City since 1908)… and only then head over to the Capitol (outside Harry S. Truman building across the street …
How do you educate people about conservative solutions to campaign finance reform? Read More »
News: TBOR Board Member Advocates for Taxpayer to NPR
May 4th, 2015 While NPR focuses on conservative donors and does not mention that liberals Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg were the two biggest political donors last cycle, we appreciate them including Richard Painter, a TBOR Board Member and former ethics counsel for President George W. Bush:. “The taxpayer has to have _ has a …
News: TBOR Board Member Advocates for Taxpayer to NPR Read More »
Bloomberg Quotes Take Back Our Republic
While the TAKE BACK ED often notes Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg combined to give over $100 million to campaigns, Bloomberg View today quotes him on campaign finance:In a Februaryop-ed pieceon the Fox News website, John Pudner, head of Take Back Our Republic, aconservative groupdedicated to changing campaign finance law, called for a federal tax …
Campaign Finance Nonprofit Names Dale Fahnestock as Maryland State Coordinator
Auburn, AL (April 21, 2015) _ Former NASA director and Stellar award winner Dale Fahnestock has been selected as the Maryland state coordinator (www.takeback.org/groups/view/Maryland-state-coalition) for Take Back Our Republic, a new independent non-partisan group that is focusing on conservative solutions to problems within the campaign finance system. “It’s about the politicians focusing back on the …
Campaign Finance Nonprofit Names Dale Fahnestock as Maryland State Coordinator Read More »
TakeBack.org Names Jacob Scott as Missouri Volunteer State Coordinator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: press@takeback.org Jefferson City, MO (April 15, 2015) _ Campaign professional Jacob Scott has been selected as the Missouri volunteer state coordinator (www.takeback.org/groups/view/Missouri-state-coalition) for Take Back Our Republic, a new, independent, non-partisan group focusing on conservative solutions to problems within the campaign finance system. Scott is one of a number of state coordinators …
TakeBack.org Names Jacob Scott as Missouri Volunteer State Coordinator Read More »
Conservative Southerner out of place at Harvard?
My wife barely muffled her laugh when I told her I was taking the message of Take Back Our Republic to Harvard Law students last Monday and Tuesday. Then Wednesday my one friend who had graduated from Harvard law passed away (click on image below for story or click here), and Friday I learned a …
Conservative Southerner out of place at Harvard? Read More »
News Alert: Billionaire donors climate group plans to punish GOP in 2016
By Benjy Sarlin NextGen Climate, the environmental super PAC founded by billionaire Tom Steyer, announced plans on Monday to punish Republican presidential candidates who reject the scientific consensus on climate change. The group spent over $70 million in the 2014 midterms attacking Republican candidates in a number of high-profile Senate races, but were unable to …
News Alert: Billionaire donors climate group plans to punish GOP in 2016 Read More »
John Pudner talks basketball and campaign finance reform in radio interview
TBOR Executive Director, John Pudner,talks basketball and campaign finance reform in radio interview with the Scott Sands Show. Listen to the podcast here.
TBOR ED John Pudner speaks with Harvard students about campaign finance reform
A room full of Harvard students asks TBOR ED, John Pudner, questions about Take Back Our Republic this morning. Ironically last night Pudner had a room full of Auburn University students do the same after his wife invited them over for Easter Dinner. To keep the college theme, he actually was able to pull the …
TBOR ED John Pudner speaks with Harvard students about campaign finance reform Read More »
Campaign Finance Nonprofit Names Andrew Hemingway as N.H. State Coordinator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: press@takeback.org Auburn, AL (April 2, 2015) _ 2014 gubernatorial candidate Andrew Hemingway has been selected as the New Hampshire state coordinatorfor Take Back Our Republic, a new independent non-partisan group that is focusing on conservative solutions to problems within the campaign finance system. A New Hampshire native and successful entrepreneur, Hemingway defined …
Campaign Finance Nonprofit Names Andrew Hemingway as N.H. State Coordinator Read More »
TBOR Prepares Future Co-Presidents; RIP Dad
TwoTake Back Our RepublicOfficials met offsite this week to help mentor Timothy James Pudner (one-month old boy in left photo) and Gianna Josefina Isidro Howard (one-week old girl in right photo). The two are scheduled to take over as co-Presidents ofTAKE BACKin 2038, assuming their graduations at the top of Harvard’s class are on schedule. …
A Study on State Lobbying: The Time Period
AUBURN, AL- As we look at influence reform around the country- returning power and influence back to the voter- Take Back Our Republic is conducting a study of lobbyists at the state level. To begin, Take Back Our Republic does acknowledge the importance of lobbying. A pluralist society with varied interests was seen by James …
Executive Orders
I would to open a dedate on this Issue. Is there a constitutional provision or statute that explicitly permits executive orders? Thus giving powers to the President to legislate by decree. In United States Constitution Article II, Section 1, Clause 1 of the Constitution, refers to the title of President as the executive. “The executive …
Dark Money in PA; New DC Champion; Please Donate!
Another packed couple of weeks, with a great addition to the team to run our DC office, news from Pennsylvania in our effort to educate people about ways to return the government from dark money to the citizens, and our first chance to ask you to contribute! 1. Please donate today! Taking those three in …
Dark Money in PA; New DC Champion; Please Donate! Read More »
Column: Star consultant turns to campaign finance reform
March 6th, 2015By John Finnerty/CNHI State Reporter HARRISBURG — John Pudner, who masterminded a grassroots, Tea Party upset of former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, has a new Goliath in his sights: campaign finance reform. Pudner is leading a new group called Take Back Our Republic that is agitating for a conservative strategy for campaign …
Column: Star consultant turns to campaign finance reform Read More »
Liberal dark money group scrutinized in Pennsylvania
March 4th, 2015 Regulators to probe union-backed nonprofit for apparent disclosure discrepancies. PHILADELPHIA _ State election regulators will soon investigate whether Pennsylvanians for Accountability, a liberal nonprofit that repeatedly criticized former Pennsylvania GOP Gov. Tom Corbett and other conservative politicians, violated political disclosure laws. Read the full article here.
State business leaders favor more transparency in campaigns
Interesting article by Richard Metcalf below… Albuquerque Journal NewsState business leaders favor more transparency in campaigns March 1st, 2015By Richard Metcalf / Journal Staff Writer At least some pressure to make political contributions and the notion that money can buy special access to state politicians are widely held perceptions among New Mexico business leaders, according …
State business leaders favor more transparency in campaigns Read More »
Peter Buckley to lead TBOR’s Massachusetts Coalition
Auburn, AL (February 28, 2015) _ Peter Buckley of Boston met with Take Back Our Republic Board Member Richard Painter and Executive Director John Pudner on Friday, and has agreed to serve as Coordinator of the Massachusetts Chapter of Take Back Our Republic. _It is great to see a group step forward with conservative ideas …
Peter Buckley to lead TBOR’s Massachusetts Coalition Read More »
Can Republicans show they’re against Big Money, too?
February 23rd, 2015 By Chris Kromm – Southern Studies Last month, a group of operatives launched Take Back Our Republic, a nonprofit that promotes “conservative solutions to problems with the campaign finance system.” The group was founded by John Pudner, a political consultant based in Alabama most recently known for advising the maverick campaign of …
Can Republicans show they’re against Big Money, too? Read More »
Campaign Finance Nonprofit Names Woods as Georgia Coordinator
For Immediate ReleaseContact: press@takeback.org Auburn, AL (February 16, 2015) _ Jon Woods of Atlanta has been selected as the Georgia Coordinator (www.takeback.org/groups/view/Georgia-State-Coalition) for Take Back Our Republic, a new independent non-partisan group that is focusing on conservative solutions to problems with the campaign finance system. Woods is the first of a number of State Coordinators …
Campaign Finance Nonprofit Names Woods as Georgia Coordinator Read More »
It is time to take on Charles Barkley
Shortly after I submitted this analytics piece on Wednesday night to Breitbart, Barkley went on TNT ripping analytics as being done by people who never had prom dates. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, you probably have been offended by Sir Charles at times, and at other times yelled, _You tell them …
The Fix: The Money-in-Politics Newsletter You Need
February 10th, 2015 By Nick Penniman – Executive Director(View article online) Though national surveys show a majority of Republicans support money-in-politics reform, there has never been an organization with conservative bona fides to mobilize the right around this issue. Enter John Pudner (the architect of David Brat’s historic primary upset against Eric Cantor last year), …
The Fix: The Money-in-Politics Newsletter You Need Read More »
3 weeks of news coverage, nationwide tour, and more than 1000 Facebook likes
Thank you to all of you who signed up for our email updates, and for the 5,960 citizens who opened our email Friday. If you have not signed up yet, click here and enter your email address and zip code. Then read the content of Friday’s email below: It has been a whirlwind for the …
3 weeks of news coverage, nationwide tour, and more than 1000 Facebook likes Read More »
Fox News Op-Ed by TBOR Executive Director, John Pudner
A common sense, conservative approach to campaign finance reform By John PudnerPublished February 02, 2015 | FoxNews.com President Obama recently warned Americans about the perils of _dark money_ in election politics, saying it _pulls us into the gutter_ as a nation. Unfortunately, he offered no real solutions to remedy this problem. So, I have a …
Fox News Op-Ed by TBOR Executive Director, John Pudner Read More »
Newsweek: Take Back Making Rounds to Tax Hawks & Tea Partiers
January 31st, 2015 From Newsweek, By Sarah Knight The head of the Stuart Foundation thinks conservatives have reason to take up its banner, too. The Washington Post profiled one such group, led by the architect of Eric Cantor_s defeat at the hands of a Tea Party challenger. This new group, Take Back Our Republic, is …
Newsweek: Take Back Making Rounds to Tax Hawks & Tea Partiers Read More »
Conservatives join New Hampshire rally in support of campaign finance reform
January 28th, 2015 By Elizabeth Lindquist –The Rock River Times CONCORD, New Hampshire _Several prominent conservatives rallied with independents and liberals in Concord, New Hampshire, Jan. 21, to support reforming the way political campaigns are funded. The rally took place Jan. 21, on the final day of the New Hampshire Rebellion march and on the …
Conservatives join New Hampshire rally in support of campaign finance reform Read More »
In case you missed It – check out Truman Anderson’s op-ed
Op-ed: A Case for Reform January 21st, 2015 By Truman AndersonTruman Anderson is executive director of the Stuart Family Foundation. Conservatives can take a principled stand against the undue influence of money in elections. In the late 1990s, the Stuart Family Foundation, where I serve as executive director, took such a stand.Continue reading View other …
In case you missed It – check out Truman Anderson’s op-ed Read More »
Member Spotlight: Tom Freeman
At our core, TBOR believes in expanding citizen participation in the electoral process. Our success depends on citizen activists to get off the sidelines and help us fix a broken system. Each week, we like to recognize the extraordinary efforts of one of our citizen activists and share their story with our supporters in what …
ROLL CALL: Anti-Disclosure Backlash Carries Risks for GOP
January 27th, 2015 By Eliza Newlin Carney At a private gathering of conservative political donors last year, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell applauded the state of American elections today, which he described as more deregulated than at any point in recent memory. Read more here.
Executive Director, John Pudner Talks About #TakeBack on Fox Sports Interview
TBOR Executive Director tells a national sports audience about Take Back Our Republic in the opening of a Fox Sports interview. Listen here.
Yahoo News talking about Take Back Our Republic
January 26th, 2015 Take Back Our Republic Launched to Advocate for Conservative Campaign Finance Reform. Read more here.
TBOR Executive Director John Pudner gives first radio interview
Take Back Our Republic Executive Director, John Pudner, gives his first radio interview to the top news station in NH – the state with the first Presidential Primary. Listen here.
John Pudner gives first radio interview about TBOR in NH
Take Back Our Republic Executive Director, John Pudner, gives his first radio interview to the top news station in NH – the state with the first Presidential Primary. Download the interview here.
Newsmax: Take Back Our Republic – Fighting to Restore Grass Roots to Politics
January 20th, 2015 By: John Gizzi – Newsmax As the 114th Congress opens, both the Obama administration and Democratic members of Congress are poised to craft legislation to restore some of the limits on independent campaign spending allowed by the Supreme Court_s Citizens United and McCutcheon decisions. Read more. Other headlines: US News: Republicans for …
Newsmax: Take Back Our Republic – Fighting to Restore Grass Roots to Politics Read More »
Take Back Our Republic — Fighting to Restore Grass Roots to Politics
“As the 114th Congress opens, both the Obama administration and Democratic members of Congress are poised to craft legislation to restore some of the limits on independent campaign spending allowed by the Supreme Court’s Citizens United and McCutcheon decisions.” Read the article
From POLITICO
Conservative Group wants to curb GOP_S Big Donors January 14th, 2015 By TARINI PARTI – POLITICO John Pudner, who helped Dave Brat unseat Eric Cantor last year, will lead the group Take Back Our Republic as it tries to build conservative support to reduce the influence of money in politics.Read more View more headlines
Coast-to-Coast
Since my email last week, I’ve been able to travel coast-to-coast announcing Take Back Our Republic to everyone from likely Presidential candidates (very good responses one-on-one), to groups, to reporters (stories in Washington Post and Daily Caller). The best news is that 237 people in 25 states have agreed to help with the effort in …
US News: Republicans for the (Regular) People – A new group aims to back campaign finance reform from the right.
January 16th, 2015 By Jean Card – US News Republicans and big money go together like desk jockeys and bad posture. For whatever reason, if no one reminds us to be better, we slump into the most unattractive and degenerative behavior. The next thing you know, it_s time for a presidential election and no one …
MinnPost: U professor part of conservative effort to reform campaign finance system
January 14th, 2015 By Cyndy Brucato – MinnPost A University of Minnesota law professor and a political consultant who’s worked on five Republican presidential campaigns _ both alumni of the George W. Bush administration _ launched a campaign finance reform group Wednesday tilted toward the conservative point of view. Read the full article View other …
MinnPost: U professor part of conservative effort to reform campaign finance system Read More »
The Daily Caller: “New Group Pushes Campaign Finance Reform From The Right”
January 14th, 2015 PostedByPeterFricke – The Daily Caller A new interest group officially launched on Wednesday with the goal of building a conservative case for campaign finance reform.The group, called Take Back Our Republic will seek to convince Republicans that reducing the influence wealthy contributors wield in elections can make for good politics, as well …
The Daily Caller: “New Group Pushes Campaign Finance Reform From The Right” Read More »
Humble Beginnings 1 Year Ago
This was an email I sent January 9th… Funny how history is made in humble settings – one year ago at this moment I was here … Dave Brat was finishing up talking to a few breakfast patrons at Adams Sports Mart. We wanted to make the campaign announcement that he was running against Majority …
NEWS: New conservative group aims to build GOP support for reducing influence of big donors
January 13th, 2015 By Matea Gold – The Washington Post Conservative political consultant John Pudner said he realized that voter attitudes about political money had curdled into dangerous cynicism after several encounters he had last year. Read the full article here
NEWS: The Stuart Family Foundation Provides First Grant to Take Back Our Republic
January 12th, 2015 TAKE BACK OUR REPUBLIC would like to thank the Stuart Family Foundation for providing the first grant to Take Back Our Republic. The Foundation has carried on the great work of conservative leader Robert D. Stuart Jr. The late Republican National Committeeman beginning with Barry Goldwater’s election and Ronald Reagan’s Ambassador to …
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John Pudner Executive Director
Executive Director Email: johnp@takeback.org Phone: 334-329-7258 John Pudner’s testimony leading to an unheard of unanimous Federal Elections Commission (FEC) decision establishing the right of voters to know who is paying for Facebook political ads resulted from a lifetime of building broad coalitions while adhering to conservative principles. Pudner was the eldest of 9 children growing …
