If you look around the web you will find ALEC legislators that are backing away from the pro-business agenda of ALEC. Other reports are trickling in from across the United States.
Some examples below the squiggle.
I have put my emphasis on some of the important anti-ALEC verbiage.
Georgia - 1 (so far)
Sen. Nan Orrock is the first Georgia lawmaker to quit. Through Better Georgia, Sen. Orrock released the following statement:
“As a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council for several years, having joined ALEC with the primary goal of better understanding the corporate-dominated organization, I know first-hand that ALEC is not the innocuous organization it claims to be.
ALEC is underwritten by corporate dollars to push corporate financial interests that disadvantage middle-class and working families. This group enrolls state legislators to promote its radical legislation in state after state, creating the false illusion of public support for its dangerous agenda. ALEC promotes legislation that suppresses voter participation, undermines state budgets and services, and impedes democracy.
With my departure, Georgia’s delegation to ALEC can no longer claim to be bi-partisan. Any lawmaker who cares more about Georgia residents than multi-national corporations should leave the group. We need to be focusing on real solutions for our state, not fanning the flames of wedge-issue politics.”
Louisiana - 1
Rep. Greg Cromer -
Cromer served as chair of the Louisiana ALEC Chapter since December 2010.
Based on what I've read - his defection may be more of a result of a cat fight - rather than a true desire to leave ALEC.
Missouri- 1 (so far)
Rep. Mike Colona announced last week that he was ending his relationship with ALEC.
“Their agenda is radical and wrong for Missouri. I was a member and saw firsthand the sort of extreme legislation they push on state legislators around the country,” he said.
Texas - 11 (so far)
1. Rep. Alma Allen
2. Rep. Armando Martinez
3. Rep. Dawnna Dukes
4. Rep. Hubert Vo
5. Rep. Harold Dutton
6. Rep. Chente Quintanilla
7. Rep. Eddie Rodriguez
8. Rep. Jose Menendez
9. Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon
10. Rep. Eric Johnson
11. Rep. Tracy King
Rep. Alma Allen issued this statement:
"As a legislator, I value the input that non-partisan organizations contribute to various issues. However, I do not believe that the American Legislative Exchange Council is a non-partisan organization. Due to the legislation that ALEC has been involved in forming and promoting, I will not be renewing my membership. I value and listen to all opinions, but ALEC's agenda has become harmful to my constituents, and the people of the State of Texas."
Washington - 1 (so far)
Rep. Kevin Van De Wege statement on his resignation from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC):
“I have decided to resign my membership from ALEC, effective April 11, 2012. As a legislator, my job is to represent the interests of all my constituents, not just those whose views align perfectly with mine. I have been a member of ALEC since I was first elected to the Legislature, and my very-limited participation enabled me to learn more about the organization’s legislative agenda and its stance on issues. I thought this insider’s view would help me to better understand those who do not agree with me politically, and in many ways, it has. However, my membership status is increasingly becoming a divisive issue this year, and I prefer to put my time and energy into efforts that unite our district rather than divide it.”
The important thing to remember is that this only represents a drop in the bucket.
Another point to remember is that these folks joined ALEC because most or all of them believed in the radical conservative tenets held by ALEC. So even though they have seen the light that was shined on them – by YOU – and have chosen not to be members – they still have the ALEC philosophy ingrained in their psyche and must be re-programmed to become "public servants" again.
Listen very carefully to what they say when they leave ALEC. Rep. Van De Wege’s statement is a cautionary note to any who reads it.
Can these legislators de-program themselves while serving in a public office – or would it be more beneficial for them to go back to the private sector for awhile? Personally I think they need to leave public office for awhile and think about what they have done to the American democracy built on a representative government - while they were supporting the ALEC agenda.
We also have to keep in mind that even though they have made public statements or told someone they have left ALEC – it an alleged defection at this point.
BUT – it is the activism in every state that is slowly, but surely removing these legislators out of the grip of the pro-business for profit private sector of ALEC.
And if a legislator chooses to stay with ALEC - we must make sure that they are not re-elected in the upcoming elections.
It is you - the constituent - saying, "NO MORE ALEC!"
It is you - the constituent - saying, "DUMP ALEC!"
It is you - the constituent - demanding your right to representation of, by, and for the people, NOT CORPORATIONS!
If you know of a ALEC legislator that has publicly denounced their membership. Please leave the state, name and a link so the rest of the United States can know of additional successes.