Federalism, Free Speech, and the Future of Campaign Finance with Derek Monson

Rep. Chad Perkins on Missouri's 137–0 Vote to Restore State Authority

In this episode of For Our Freedom, Jeff Clements is joined by Missouri Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins to discuss the Missouri House's unanimous 137–0 vote calling for a constitutional amendment to restore states' authority over campaign finance. Perkins explains how outside spending has increasingly shaped Missouri's ballot initiative process, why lawmakers across the political spectrum united behind the resolution, and how restoring state authority would allow each state to set rules that reflect its own values and priorities. Together, they explore the principles of federalism, the role of states in protecting self-government, and why returning these decisions to voters and their elected representatives is central to preserving America's constitutional system.

Sen. David Argall on Money in Politics, Outside Spending, and Why States Are Pushing Back

In this episode of For Our Freedom, Jeff Clements sits down with Pennsylvania State Senator David Argall to discuss how campaign finance has changed over decades of public service — from volunteer-driven local races to today’s high-cost, consultant-heavy political landscape. They explore the growing influence of outside money in state elections, how national spending is reshaping local campaigns, and why lawmakers across the country are advancing a constitutional amendment to restore the authority of states and Congress to set the rules for money in politics. As Pennsylvania considers its role in this national effort, Sen. Argall reflects on democracy, federalism, and what it would take to build a healthier political system ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

Sen. Brent Howard: $33M in Outside Spending—and What Oklahoma Did About It

$33 million in outside spending. Anonymous attack ads. Misinformation shaping local elections. Oklahoma State Senator Brent Howard joins For Our Freedom to explain how dark money is impacting his state, and why Oklahoma became the 24th state to push for a constitutional amendment on election spending. From rural hospitals to statewide races, this episode breaks down what’s happening on the ground, and why a growing number of states are working to restore transparency and voter control.

Rep. Tex Fischer on Federalism and Who Decides the Rules for Money in Elections

In this episode of For Our Freedom, American Promise CEO and host Jeff Clements speaks with Ohio State Representative Tex Fischer about federalism, election law, and who should decide the rules for money in elections. Rep. Fischer discusses Ohio’s recent efforts to prohibit foreign spending in state elections and the legal challenges those laws now face in federal court. He also explains why he is sponsoring a resolution in the Ohio legislature calling on Congress to advance the For Our Freedom Constitutional Amendment—restoring the authority of states and Congress to decide the rules for money in elections. Together, they explore the role of states as “laboratories of democracy,” the growing tension between state authority and federal court rulings, and what stronger transparency and accountability in elections could look like in the years ahead.

Federalism, Free Speech, and the Future of Campaign Finance with Derek Monson

On this episode of For Our Freedom, host Jeff Clements of American Promise speaks with Derek Monson of the Sutherland Institute about federalism, civic institutions, and Utah’s bipartisan support for returning campaign finance authority to the states.  The conversation explores how local governance, cross-partisan trust, and community-driven solutions can help restore balance in American democracy, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.