Wars aren't won overnight and our fight against Big Money politics is no exception. But I'm excited to report that ground is being gained every week here in New Hampshire, as the presidential candidates and state lawmakers respond to our demands for real reform.

First, an urgent request: tomorrow, the NH House Admin Committee will hold a long-awaited vote on SB 136, the bipartisan bill to call on Congress to overturn Citizens United by passing a Constitutional Amendment. Can you spare a few minutes right now to call three Republican state representatives and politely urge that they vote "Ought to Pass" on SB 136?

Rep. Russell Ober - (603) 883-9654
Rep. Brad Bailey - (603) 638-2118
Chairman Rep. Richard Hinch - (603) 261-6317

We also invite you to join us tomorrow, October 13th at 9:30am outside the Legislative Office Building, 33 N State St in Concord to hold signs and greet the committee members as they arrive for the big vote. If the NH House follows the State Senate's lead, which passed SB 136 unanimously in March, we will become the 17th state to call for a Constitutional Amendment and the first with Republican majorities.

Momentum is on our side. Earlier today, Republican presidential candidate Sen. Lindsay Graham spoke to the NH Rebellion and other activists in Manchester and declared that overturning Citizens United"would be a priority for me", as reported by CNN. Ten days ago, Democratic presidential candidate Gov. Martin O'Malley released his ambitious “Restoring Our American Democracy” agenda, incorporating our suggestions for full disclosure, citizen-funded elections, overhauling the FEC, and overturning Citizens United. 

Last month, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released an ambitious reform agenda of her own embracing our ideas – the first time in my lifetime that a presidential frontrunner has made ending big money corruption a leading cause of the campaign. And that's not to mention the steady drumbeat against big money corruption and crony capitalism from candidates like Bernie Sanders, Lawrence Lessig, Carly Fiorina, and Donald Trump. For all the latest statements and to find an upcoming event where you can Ask the Question directly of a presidential candidate, check out Questionr.us. 

Together, we are gaining ground in the fight for representative government where every voice is head. Thanks for all you do.

On Saturday, July 18th, friends and fellow rebels will walk from Dublin to Peterborough in honor of Doris "Granny D" Haddock. Will you join us for the 9am walk and 12pm community celebration in Peterborough's Depot Square for free lunch, entertainment, and Ben & Jerry's ice cream? 

The six-mile walk is part of our second annual Revive Democracy Weekend in the Monadnock region. The weekend begins Friday night, June 17th, with a screening of the powerful documentary "Pricele$$" at the Peterborough Unitarian Church at 7pm. The film will be followed by a short discussion on money in politics and a social gathering at Harlow's Pub nearby in Peterborough.

On Saturday after the walk and community celebration, our supporters Malcolm and Pamela Peabody will host walkers and friends for a festive gathering at Dublin Lake from 5-7pm. Please contact[email protected] or call (603) 930-6765 to RSVP. 

The weekend will close on Sunday morning when Open Democracy executive director Dan Weeks speaks at the Monadnock Summer Lyceum at 11am at the Peterborough Unitarian Church on "Poor (in) Democracy: How America is Defaulting on Democracy and the Long Walk to Get it Back." All events are free and open to the public.

On Saturday, July 4th, we donned our patriotic caps and took to the streets once again to declare independence from big money politics and demand the presidential candidates support systemic reform. 

Some 150 rebels signed up in advance to make the 20- or 16-mile trek from Rochester or Hampton, arriving in Portsmouth for a festive BBQ and our first Rally for Independence in Prescott Park. There we enjoyed a bipartisan reading of the Declaration of Independence, street theater starring "heroes" of democracy, remarks by NH Rebellion founder Lawrence Lessig, live music, and plenty of free Ben & Jerry's! Although the weather dampened attendance, over 200 patriots in all braved the rain and gave up their holiday to join our Declaration. Check out this short video (more photos and video to follow).

It may not feel like spring, but that isn't keeping the presidential candidates away. Already, they're out on the stump talking up a storm about taxes and teachers, energy and immigration, deficits and drones… We need to make sure they address the underlying issue: how to end the corrupting influence of money in politics. 

That's where you come in, as walkers and talkers for reform!

Movements are made up of people. Movements grow when people invest their time, energy, passion, creativity, and resources to further the cause. Countless people have contributed to building the Open Democracy movement in New Hampshire (and beyond!) and this year we are proud to recognize six such individuals with the first-ever 'Walk the Talk' Awards. To learn more about the Awards recipients, check out our press release below.

We made it! On January 21st, the fifth anniversary of Citizens United, we stood together hundreds strong in front of the New Hampshire State House as a unified NH Rebellion against big money in politics. Our legs were weary but our spirits were high after walking 300 miles – 12,081 miles collectively – from all four corners of the state for the sake of our republic. The nation took notice. 

Who could express our motivation better than 15 year-old Ella McGrail, who spoke to the assembled crowd after walking the long road from Portsmouth to Concord with her classmates?

"Our government now favors money over majority, a twisted reality that in no way resembles Democracy.  It is a system that legalizes bribery and gives those with the most money the highest level of power over public policy decisions, a position that by right belongs to the citizens at large… I will not stand by and watch the struggle for my rights be won or lost without me simply because I’m not yet eighteen. This is our future, this is our fight."