10 Facts About Common Cause

Common Cause is a watchdog group based in Washington, DC, with chapters in 35 states.

Sometimes identified as liberal-leaning, Common Cause has been identified as nonpartisan and advocates government reform.

Common Cause lobbied Congress to pass the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, requiring government officials to disclose their finances and restricting the "revolving door" between government and business.

In 1972, Common Cause sued President Richard Nixon's re-election campaign, the Committee for the Re-Election of the President, under the Federal Corrupt Practices Act in an attempt to force Nixon's campaign to report early campaign contributions.

In 1974, Common Cause supported passage of the Federal Election Campaign Act, encompassing public financing of presidential campaigns and oversight of campaign ethics through the Federal Election Commission.

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Common Cause has advocated for public financing of elections in order to decrease the influence of special-interest contributions.

Common Cause is challenging redistricting in Democratic-controlled states, such as Maryland.

Common Cause is in favor of establishing a national popular vote for presidential elections to replace the current electoral college system.

Common Cause has an annual combined budget of around $18 million.

The group is organized as a 501 organization, and its sister organization, the Common Cause Educational Fund, is a 501 organization.