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What We Do

Friends of Democracy was formed in 2012 as the only group with an electoral strategy dedicated to demonstrating that there is a political cost to opposing sensible reforms supported by a non-partisan majority of Americans. Seven of the eight incumbent House members targeted for defeat by Friends of Democracy in 2012 lost their elections. Our activities include:

  • Injecting the issue of money-in-politics into competitive races in order to highlight differences between candidates;
  • Supporting champions by enhancing their ability to speak effectively about reform;
  • Communicating directly with voters who are most likely to respond to money-in-politics messages.

Past: 2012 ImpactFuture: 2014 Electoral Plans

What We're For

Citizen-led Elections

Replace the dependence candidates have on large donations and independent expenditures with support they find in their own communities

Reform Lobbying

Establish meaningful rules that separate outside groups from candidates. “Independent” should mean just that: independent.

Transparency & Disclosure

Part of Evaluating whether you trust a message is knowing who paid for it

Enforcement

We need an independent, non-partisan enforcement agency instead of a bi-partisan incumbent protection agency.

Who We Are

David has led successful accountability campaigns at the state and national level, including pioneering electoral campaigns on reform issues for fifteen years. Currently serving as Executive Director of Public Campaign Action Fund, he is helping Friends of Democracy, develop strategy and program, fund raise, and ground the organization’s work in his years of commitment to systemic reform.

David Donnelly

Jeff has more than 25 years experience in electoral, issue, and civic engagement campaigns at all levels. Jeff’s expertise in campaign management, polling, micro-targeting, media and electoral strategy has been the winning edge in many of the more than 100 political campaigns in 22 states he has served in a career spanning almost three decades.

Jeff Robinson

Elizabeth has over 12 years of experience working for candidates and campaigns including statewide, political party, political action committee, state legislative, and presidential caucus campaigns. She has also managed finance operations for non-profits organizations and a referendum campaign.

Elizabeth Schilling

Co-Founder and Director

David has led successful accountability campaigns at the state and national level, including pioneering electoral campaigns on reform issues for fifteen years. Currently serving as Executive Director of Public Campaign Action Fund, he is helping Friends of Democracy, develop strategy and program, fundraise, and ground the organization’s work in his years of commitment to systemic reform.

Political Director and Campaign Manager

Jeff has more than 25 years experience in electoral, issue, and civic engagement campaigns at all levels. Jeff’s expertise in campaign management, polling, micro-targeting, media and electoral strategy has been the winning edge in many of the more than 100 political campaigns in 22 states he has served in a career spanning almost three decades.

Director of Operations and Finance

Elizabeth has over 12 years of experience working for candidates and campaigns including statewide, political party, political action committee, state legislative, and presidential caucus campaigns. She has also managed finance operations for non-profits organizations and a referendum campaign.