David Keating started SpeechNow.org in 2007 because he was disgusted by the incessant attacks on the First Amendment.  The notorious McCain Feingold bill that passed in 2002 enacted unprecedented restrictions on speech by citizens and nonprofit groups.  Organizations could not even mention the name of a congressman in a TV or radio ad if it aired within 60 days of an election.

Then in a desperate attempt to hold onto power, House Republicans passed a bill that would have made extended the ban on such TV or radio ads to 365 days a year if sponsored by a nonprofit group organized under section 527 of the tax law.

It was time to do something about the bipartisan attacks on our free speech rights. 

Keating believed the best way to get this message across was simple.  If politicians supported bills that would violate the First Amendment, they needed to find another job. 

So Keating formed SpeechNow.org to give Americans who support free speech a way to join together, pool their resources, and advocate for federal candidates who agree with them—and work to defeat those who do not.

We believe this is the best way to liberate speech from the grip of politicians who have successfully passed laws aimed at preserving their power by squelching criticism.   After all, politicians seem to respect the Second Amendment.  Now it's time they respect the First Amendment too.

Speech Now.org created a pure citizens group.  We have adopted rigorous restrictions on our activities to eliminate even the appearance of corruption of candidates.  Our charter also guarantees our independence from parties, candidates and special interest money.  Finally, these principles also ensure that donors give solely because they believe in what we do.

Speech Now.org:

• only accepts contributions from individuals.
• refuses even a cent from corporations, labor unions or foreigners.
• never donates directly or indirectly to any candidate.
• speaks independently of all candidates and political parties.
• never coordinates its activities with any candidate or political party.
• tells our donors that their donations may be used for political purposes, so they are aware of our mission to use elections to advance our cause of free speech.
• never raises money by conducting business activities -- not even a bake sale.
• never raises money through offering membership discounts for consumer purchases in return for a dues payment.
• fully discloses all contributions and expenditures with just as much or more detail as any other substantially similar actor in federal elections.