Cooper, House Challengers sign ‘Change Congress’ Pledge

Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) and 12 House challengers have signed a “Change Congress” pledge written by former John Edwards adviser Joe Trippi and Stanford Law Professor Lawrence Lessig.

Of the House challengers, seven are Democrats, one is a Republican, two are Independents, and two hail from the Green Party.

Signing the pledge means making one, some, or all of four promises:

1. Refuse contributions from lobbyists and PACs
2. Support the abolition of earmarks
3. Support reform to increase transparency in Congress
4. Support public financing of elections

A list of the House challengers who signed the pledge is after the jump:

• Amit Singh (R-VA 8th)
• Ethan Strimling (D-ME 1s)
• Ashley Casey (Ind-LA 6th)
• Ed Fallon (D-IA 3rd)
• Sam Rasoul (D-VA 6th)
• Tristin Mock (Green-OR 2nd)
• Chellie Pingree (D-ME 1st)
• Peter Bearse (Ind-NH 1st)
• Hank Eng (D-CO 6th)
• Cheryl Crist (D-WA 3rd)
• John M. Wages, Jr. (Green-MS 1st)
• Mike Waltner (D-PA 3rd)