In light of recent developments surrounding the now-disgraced ex-governor of the State of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, (who was caught in an attempt to sell President Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat) Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) has issued a challenge to supporters of the Pelosi-Obama-Reid government spending package promoted under the guise of “stimulus.”

Americans for Tax Reform has asked all Members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted in favor of the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” and U.S. Senators planning to support the package to commit to their constituents in writing that they will not accept political contributions from any recipient of “stimulus” funds, nor will seek or accept employment with any recipient.
 
“Given the questionable nature of the spending provisions in the bill, taxpayers have every reason to be concerned that quid-pro-quo considerations may factor into Members’ decisions to support the package,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. “And recent events surrounding the succession for President Obama’s senate seat make it clear that it is not out of the question that sweetheart deals are part of the ‘stimulus’ negotiations. So all we’re doing is asking Members to promise to their constituents that what happens in Chicago will stay in Chicago. ”
 
Americans for Tax Reform is asking that supporters of the package sign and send a statement to ATR that reads as follows :
I, __________________________, commit to the taxpayers of the (___________________ district of the) State of _______________________, that I will neither accept any political contributions from a recipient of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 nor seek or accept employment with such a recipient. The same commitment shall apply to members of my family and members of my staff.

Americans for Tax Reform will inform constituents and the media about which Members of Congress sign and return the above commitment to ATR, and will post relevant information on the Internet at www.atr.org.