Long-Shot GOP Candidate Decries Anonymous Contributions

GOP presidential candidate Buddy Roemer lashed out Monday against large, anonymous campaign donations and special-interest money saying that they are at the root of corrupt politics.

“It’s a valid job to be a lobbyist but not when all you do is bring a check. A registered lobbyer should not be allowed to both lobby and fundraise,” Roemer said at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. 

Roemer, a businessman and former Louisiana governor, claimed that presidential candidates make their political stances based solely off of who is providing them with more money.

To ward off such influences from special interest groups, Roemer suggested full disclosure of all such funds for presidential candidates. 

“Every nickel needs to be exposed so we can be free to lead,” Roemer said. 

Roemer announced his candidacy three and a half weeks ago but has had a very slow start. He has yet to participate in a GOP primary debate and was not involved in the Ames Straw Poll in Iowa on Saturday. 

He emphasized that his campaign efforts will be focused on New Hampshire.

“I hope to make the next debate,” Roemer said just before acknowledging his slim chances at winning the nomination. “I don’t know that I’ll ever be a major candidate.”