Tagged: Congressman John Yarmuth

Congressman John Yarmuth, D-Ky., has introduced a bill that seeks to diminish the influence of special interest groups.

The Fair Elections Now Act—or FENA —would create a public financing system for congressional races by providing a 5-to-1 federal match of contributions smaller than $100. In order to qualify, candidates would have to raise $50,000 through those small, in-state contributions.

Yarmuth says the legislation would enable more diverse candidates who are funded by small donations to compete in federal elections.

"The American people have ample evidence of the unfortunate influence of money on politics and policy. And FENA is an attempt to allow people to run for office and not be dependent upon big donors and therefore be primarily answerable to citizens and not to special interests," he says.

Congressman John Yarmuth of Louisville says Sen. Mitch McConnell should apologize for an e-mail McConnell’s campaign sent to supporters last week.

The communication was from the Republican’s campaign manager, Jesse Benton, and its subject line was, “Watch Out, They’re Coming For Your Guns.”

Yarmuth, a Democrat, says it was an attempt to distort the 23 executive actions on gun control announced recently by President Obama.

President Barack Obama’s gun control speech is being praised by supporters as a bold step, but the White House acknowledges that sweeping reforms will require support from pro gun areas like Kentucky in order to pass Congress.

Surrounded by a group of elementary school students Wednesday, the president signed 23 executive actions to enforce current laws. He also urged Congress to pass a number of legislative measures such as a ban on military-style assault weapons and armor piercing bullets.

The package includes universal background checks for gun purchases and a 10-round limit on ammunition magazines.

"I will put everything I've got into this — and so will (Vice President) Joe (Biden) — but I tell you, the only way we can change is if the American people demand it. And by the way, that doesn’t just mean from certain parts of the country," Mr. Obama said. "We’re going to need voices in those areas and those congressional districts where the tradition of gun ownership is strong to speak up and to say this is important."

Third District Congressman John Yarmuth was an early proponent of gun regulations in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook massacre, but he is the only Democrat in Kentucky’s entire federal delegation.

Yarmuth says he is proud of Mr. Obama's leadership, however, he acknowledges gun owners and Second Amendment advocates will have to play a bigger role in order for lawmakers to pass any reforms.

The Anti-Defamation League is criticizing WHAS radio host Mandy Connell for controversial comments comparing potential gun control measures to the Nazi regime tagging Jewish Germans.

Last week, WFPL reported that during a heated on-air interview with Democratic Rep. John Yarmuth, Connell said Second Amendment advocates should be concerned about further regulations.

The radio show host added citizens should be worried about an "overly intrusive government" similar to Nazi Germany.

"Things like (U.S. Sen.) Diane Feinstein requiring gun owners to register if they’re already a legal gun owner," Connell said. "Why don’t we make them wear yellow stars as well? Why don’t we tag everybody?"

In response, an ADL spokeswoman told LEO Weekly the comments trivialized the Holocaust.