Fortenberry Cosponsors Campaign Reform Bill

Washington D.C. - Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today helped introduce the Push Poll Disclosure Act of 2007, legislation that would regulate a negative campaigning technique known as push polling.

I believe Nebraskans have had enough of this type of abusive campaigning, Fortenberry said. This bill requires that any large poll, involving more than 1,200 households and conducted for federal candidates, must disclose the identity of the polls sponsor. It also requires that the sponsor of a poll not being made public must officially file the cost of the poll, the number of households contacted, and a transcript of the polls questions.

Under the guise of conducting a legitimate poll, a telephone push poll spreads disinformation about political candidates. Its only purpose is to create a negative image of a particular candidate, by making insinuations in the form of poll questions, without identifying who is behind the poll.

These measures would increase accountability to the public and curb some of the most grievous abuses allowed under the current system, Fortenberry said. This is an important step in smart campaign reform.

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