Update: Lessig just announced on his blog that he has decided not to run for Congress and instead devote his energies to running the Change Congress movement from outside Congress. He explains his decision in this 5min video.
I don’t get excited about people running for Congress.
But, I have to say that I’m completely blown away with this Lessig guy. He is a refreshing slap across the face.
Who is he?
In short, Lessig is currently a Professor of Law at Stanford Law School and founder of the school’s Center for Internet and Society. He has a massive (and massively interesting) bio that you should view here because there is no room for it in this post.
He just launched his Change Congress movement this month and because of it has been pressured by many close colleagues, friends and Facebook groups to run for Congress.
Lessig’s Change Congress movement wants to change how Washington works by trying to remove the influence of money on public policy.
The movement details three things that will start Washington in the right direction:
1. No $$$ from lobbyist or PACs (Political Action Committees)
2. Ban earmarks
3. Support public finance
He is a 10min video launching Change Congress and mentioning a possible Congress run:
Lessig makes it very clear that the current Washington system not the people plays the largest role in allowing money (aka corruption) to influence public policy.
Here is an excellent lecture he gave on corruption (warning: its about an hour long):
Note: Lessig hasn’t announced he will run for Congress yet. He says he will make the decision by March 1. Until then, check out his new site or join the Draft Lessig for Congress Facebook group.
Also, check out Lessig’s personal blog or OpenCongress’ blog for more.
Update: Anyone interested in running for California’s 44th District? Contact Jason in the comments below.
