Mikie Sherrill vs ‘Big Money Politics’: PAC Endorses Democrat

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Congressional candidate Mikie Sherrill has garnered an enthusiastic thumbs-up from a political action committee that lobbies to “keep special interest money out of politics.”

On Thursday, End Citizens United (ECU), a political action committee that supports Democrat candidates in key local races, announced an endorsement for Sherrill, who is campaigning to win a seat with the U.S. House of Representatives for New Jersey’s 11th District.

Sherrill, a former U.S. Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, is running against veteran lawmaker and GOP power player Rodney Frelinghuysen in 2018.

“Too many members of Congress are wearing earmuffs made of special interest money,” End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller said. “Mikie Sherrill is committed to getting unlimited and secret special interest money out of politics so that everyday Americans can have their voices heard. Voters in the district are searching for a leader who will work to unrig the system. We look forward to connecting our grassroots members with Sherrill’s campaign to help her win this pivotal seat next November.”

The ECU took particular aim at Frelinghuysen, who they claim “epitomizes the influence of Big Money in politics.”

• See related article: Frelinghuysen Had Millions In Health Care Stocks; Voted For Trumpcare, Report Says

Sherrill, a Montclair resident, said that she was proud to get the ECU’s endorsement.

“The outsized influence of money in American politics gives corporations and the people with the most money too much control over public policy and governance,” Sherrill said. “We need real leadership from people who will work to hear from all of their constituents.”

Sherrill recently announced that she's raised $495,568 from more than 3,000 donors at the end of her first full fundraising quarter.

However, Sherrill is likely facing an uphill battle – at least financially – against Frelinghuysen, who has managed to fend off all challengers for his congressional seat for years. According to FEC records, Frelinghuysen has raised $1.15 million in campaign funding from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30.

• See related article: 2 Frelinghuysen Challengers Raise Big Bucks (But Will It Be Enough?)

Frelinghuysen has dramatically outspent every opponent he's faced since 2000, sometimes by as much as a 45 to 1 ratio, according to data at opensecrets.org.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page here.

WHAT IS CITIZENS UNITED?

According to the ECU, Citizens United v. FEC was a 2010 Supreme Court case that overturned key provisions of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2003.

“The court’s decision, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, allowed unions and corporations to make unlimited political donations,” the ECU states. “It also held that such unlimited contributions from these groups and from individuals are acceptable because, in the court’s view, they do not inappropriately influence elected officials’ policy decisions.”

“Today, money dominates American politics – and it is clear that Citizens United is responsible,” the ECU charges.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Mikie Sherrill for Congress