FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Maybe Washington will finally listen... now that some in corporate America are taking aim at their bank accounts.
This has the potential to get interesting.
More than 100 CEOs have signed a pledge to stop all political campaign contributions until lawmakers stop the gridlock. That could be a while.
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is leading the movement. He says it seems like lawmakers are only interested in re-election... he's right about that... and that the lifeblood of re-election is fund-raising.
In just a week - Schultz has gotten more than 100 business leaders on board... including the CEOs of AOL, Whole Foods, Intuit, Zipcar, J. Crew... and billionaire investor Pete Peterson.
Schultz says his initiative has "triggered a national dialogue and a groundswell of support." He hopes ordinary Americans join in too.
The pledge has leaders agreeing to stop campaign contributions until lawmakers strike a "bipartisan, balanced long-term debt deal that addresses both entitlements and revenues."
The CEOs are also agreeing to look for ways to speed up job growth.
It's unclear how much impact Schultz's pledge will have but it's worth pointing out that a pretty small number of Americans make the bulk of political donations in this country.
Less than one half of one percent of Americans give more than $200 to candidates and political parties and those donations make up 65% of all contributions.
Here’s my question to you: More than 100 CEOs have signed a pledge to not make political donations. How will it affect Washington?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Aaron on Facebook:
Unfortunately for us, there are more than 100 CEOs in this country by a lot. That small handful right now doesn't compare to the scores of others who continue to legally bribe lawmakers. But I suppose it's a start.
Dale in Eddystone, Pennsylvania:
Without these big time corporate donors, so-called real politicians will have to see how Ron Paul does it. I think it is a good idea, and will eliminate some of the special interests. I take my hat off to these CEO's.
Carla:
Not at all. There will be two hundred CEOs standing in line to take their place, influence our so-called leaders, and own a little piece of Washington.
Doug in Pepperell, Massachusetts:
It’s a phony ruse lead by the Starbucks CEO to gain sympathy for Obama's desire to raise taxes. This PR stunt will not affect Washington. It would take a direct hit from a moon-sized meteor to affect Washington.
James:
It won't - at least until oil companies and other large firms join the list. The politicians will not care until that happens. But the effort is a good start.
Bob in Orlando:
Jack, It’s a nice warning shot over the bow. However, the idea is more symbol than substance because I don't think Congress would notice much. They haven't been listening to the voters anyway.
Russell in lowa:
Halfway there. Now all we have to do is stop them from writing the legislation and we might have a shot at a functional government instead of a corporate vending machine.