NEW BILLBOARD IN LOUISVILLE ASKS, “WHAT’S MCCONNELL HIDING?”

Sunlight Offers $500 Prize for Video that Captures Sen. McConnell Responding to the Question

June 1, 2007

Contact: Gabriela Schneider 202-742-1520 ext 236

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Sunlight Foundation announced a new contest that will award $500 for the first video capturing Senator Mitch McConnell on record answering (or refusing to answer) who is blocking passage of legislation that would require senators to file their campaign finance reports electronically. This contest is part of Sunlight’s new campaign that asks, “What’s McConnell Hiding?” through a billboard alongside I-65 in Louisville, Kentucky [map] that points readers to www.whatsmcconnellhiding.com, a new Sunlight Web site that prompts citizens to take action to promote transparency in the Senate by advocating for the passage of the Senate Campaign Disparity Act (S. 223).

“We’re putting this issue in front of citizens of Louisville because Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is the only person who knows the identity of the anonymous senator who has registered an objection to S. 223,” said Ellen Miller, executive director of the Sunlight Foundation. “Twice, an unknown Republican senator has stood in the way of greater transparency in the Senate. We’re calling on Sen. McConnell’s constituents to help make this information public so the problem can be addressed and the legislation passed.”

Unlike the House of Representatives, the Senate is only required to file election-related designations, statements, and reports in paper format, which is difficult to search through and analyze.

Numerous newspaper editorials and Web sites have also called on Sen. McConnell to reveal who is objecting to this legislation, including The Louisville Courier-Journal, The Lexington Herald-Leader, The Washington Post, Roll Call, Daily Kos, Talking Points Memo and Instapundit.

Founded in January, 2006, the mission of the Sunlight Foundation is to strengthen the relationship between lawmakers and their constituents. Sunlight puts information and tools in citizens’ hands so they can learn more about what Congress and their elected representatives are doing. Its ultimate goal is full transparency by Congress, its Members and staff will help reduce corruption, ensure greater accountability, and foster public trust in this vital institution of democracy.

Since its founding, the Sunlight Foundation has issued nearly $2 million to groups to digitize existing information about Congress and those that use Internet technology to further Sunlight’s goals. Additionally, the Sunlight Foundation has fostered its own projects such as Congresspedia, OpenCongress.org and Congress’ Family Business.

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