Reform in an Age of Networked Campaigns: How to Foster Citizen Participation Through Small Donors and Volunteers

A joint project of the Campaign Finance Institute, American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution released a major new report, "Reform in an Age of Networked Campaigns: How to Foster Citizen Participation Through Small Donors and Volunteers."   

The report, co-authored by Anthony J. Corrado, Michael J. Malbin, Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein, seeks to change the ongoing national dialogue about money in politics. The political world has been arguing about campaign finance policy for decades. A once-rich conversation has become a stale, two-sided battleground. The time has come to leap over this gulf and, as much as possible, move the disputes from the courts.

The 2008 elections showcased the power of the Internet to generate enthusiasm, mobilize volunteers and increase small-donor contributions. The digital revolution has altered the calculus of participation. Instead of further restricting the wealthy few, therefore, this new report presents detailed recommendations to help activate the many.

Read the executive summary or download the full report below.