Abramoff, Occupy Wall Street join forces on campaign finance reform

A new group that includes former lobbyist Jack Abramoff and members of the Occupy Wall Street movement on Tuesday began gathering signatures on a petition calling for an overhaul of the campaign finance system.

Represent.US aims to gather 1 million signatures in support of the American Anti-Corruption Act, a legislative proposal drafted by former Federal Election Commission Chairman Trevor Potter.

Once they reach 1 million signatures, the group plans to ask lawmakers to sponsor the bill and introduce it in Congress. 

The measure would limit campaign contributions across the board and require all donations to be disclosed to the public, among other reforms.

Theodore Roosevelt IV, a member of the group and the great-grandson of President Teddy Roosevelt, said the measure aims would put power back in the hands of voters.

"It is unconscionable, in our society, that Congress is held in such low esteem," he said. "[It is] materially important to re-establish the sovereignty of the American people."

Board members for Represent.US say they are developing a plan to challenge lawmakers who refuse to endorse their bill.

The organization, which is operates two non-profits, will accept donations to pursue its agenda — all of which will be fully disclosed. 

Campaign finance reform has faced opposition in Congress since the McCain-Feingold bill was approved in 2002. Represent.US members said they will reach out to reform opponents, particularly in the GOP.

Richard Painter, former chief ethics advisor to President George W. Bush, said he will be a voice to "persuade my fellow Republicans to back campaign finance reform."

The group's leadership also includes a head of the DC Tea Party Patriots, a Harvard Law School professor and disclosure advocate, a former senior Democratic congressional staffer and a Republican strategist.