In 1906, a Montana newspaper wrote, “The greatest living issue confronting us today is whether the corporations shall control the people or the people shall control the corporations.” Over a century later, America is grappling with the aftermath of the devastating Citizens United decision and an electoral system inundated with money and rigged in favor of wealthy interests over working Americans.

In Montana, Gov. Steve Bullock (D) has been waging a quiet war on money in politics because he believes government belongs to the people, not the corporations.

As governor, Bullock formed a bipartisan coalition to pass one of the most progressive campaign finance laws in the county. As the state’s attorney general, he led the first challenge against Citizens United all the way to the Supreme Court. Governor Bullock will be discussing with CAP new efforts to shed sunlight on political spending designed to influence government.

The fight is long from over. Gov. Bullock will discuss the role that money plays in politics and its effects on polarization, political discourse, and the country’s politicians’ long-term ability to govern. He will highlight recent measures he has taken to combat this trend in Montana, with lessons for the country to reform its own political discourse while making elections honest, open, and representative.

Introductory Remarks:

Neera Tanden ,President and CEO of the Center for American Progress

Keynote Remarks:

Gov. Steve Bullock (D-MT)