How the System Works Today — and Why It’s Broken

Most Americans believe their representatives go to Washington to serve the people who elected them. Too often, that’s not what happens.

Here’s the reality—plain and simple.

How Congress Is Supposed to Work

In theory:

• Voters elect a representative

• That representative listens to constituents

• Studies the issues

• Votes based on what’s best for their district and the country

That’s the system Americans expect.

How the System Actually Works

In reality, many members of Congress spend more time raising money than writing laws. Why?

Campaigns Cost Millions

Running for Congress is extremely expensive. Most candidates can’t fund a campaign with small donations alone, so they rely on:

• Large donors

• Political Action Committees (PACs)

• Industry-backed organizations

These donations are legal—but they come with influence.

What Lobbyists Do

Lobbyists are paid to influence lawmakers on behalf of corporations, unions, trade groups, and special interests.

They often:

• Write talking points

• Help draft legislation

• Meet privately with lawmakers

• Apply pressure on how officials vote

This system is legal—but it shifts power away from voters.

PACs and Political Pressure

PACs raise money to support or oppose candidates. While direct donations are capped, PACs still wield enormous influence by:

• Bundling donations

• Funding attack ads

• Rewarding lawmakers who vote their way

• Punishing those who don’t

Over time, lawmakers learn a hard lesson:
Keeping donors happy matters more than listening to voters.

How Foreign Influence Gets In

Foreign governments can’t legally donate to U.S. campaigns—but influence still enters through:

• Multinational corporations

• Foreign-owned companies operating in the U.S.

• NGOs with international funding

• Advocacy groups shaping policy behind the scenes

The money moves through legal channels, but the influence is real—and often hidden from voters.

Why This Is a Problem

When elected officials depend on:

• Donor money

• PAC support

• Lobbyist access

They become less responsive to:

• Working families

• Small businesses

• Parents

• Seniors

• Veterans

The system doesn’t reward doing what’s right.
It rewards doing what’s funded.

Should This Be Legal?

Many Americans believe this system has gone too far.

While lobbying and political donations are legal, the scale and access they provide create a conflict between:

• Serving the public

• Serving donors

No elected official should vote based on who funds their campaign.

How We Fix It

Real reform means changing incentives, not just blaming individuals.

That includes:

• Stronger limits on lobbyist access

• Full transparency in political donations

• Reducing reliance on large donors

• Empowering small-dollar donors

• Enforcing bans on foreign influence

• Term limits and real accountability

Most importantly:
Representatives must answer to voters—not special interests.

Kevin McClellan’s Commitment

Kevin McClellan is running for Congress to:

• Put constituents before donors

• Increase transparency

• Reduce special-interest control

• Restore trust in representative government

This campaign is powered by people—not PACs, lobbyists, or foreign interests.

Call to Action

If you believe government should work for the people—not special interests:

• Volunteer

• Donate

• Share this message

• Stay informed.