Common Cause Blog :: Saying hello

Saying hello

By Bob Edgar
Posted on Wed May 23, 2007 at 05:05:30 PM EST

(Bumped - Kirstin)

As you may have seen on our homepage, Common Cause has chosen me as its new President and CEO. It's with great pleasure and honor that I accept this position. I have served on the organization's National Governing Board since 2005, and look forward to continuing the work of this great peoples' lobby as envisioned by John Gardner, both in Washington and across the country.

Let me tell you a bit about myself. You may know I'm coming to Common Cause from The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC), and I was also a college president in California.

I was also elected from Pennsylvania to the US House of Representatives in 1974, part of the "Watergate class" elected to clean up our political system in the wake of the greatest scandal our nation had ever endured. We passed a wide range of ethics and campaign finance reforms, issues that have always been a backbone of Common Cause's work. In 1986 I ran unsuccessfully for the US Senate, getting a firsthand lesson in big money influence, and learning just how hard it is to unseat an incumbent with a large financial advantage. This experience led to my ardent support for clean elections, and I look forward to leading this organization in its fight to Stop the Money Chase and reduce the influence of money from politics.

I am confident that my experience as an elected official, as well as my experience in non-profit advocacy and education will allow me to lead Common Cause effectively as we continue the fight to hold power accountable. I look forward to working with our members and supporters to achieve our goals, and also to interacting with the readers of the Common Blog. Please leave comments or ask any questions you may have in the Comments section below.

You'll be hearing more from me soon!

Peace,

Bob

Tags: (all tags)

Saying hello :: 5 Comments

The new CEO

I don't want to be disrespectful. Your credential's and experience are laudable. I'm sure you're qualified to lead, but frankly, I am not sure you're qualified to lead political change.

I am 50 years old so don't mistake me for a smart ass kid. That said, I really do think that a lot of what is wrong in our government is the fact that old, white, men are running it. There is the occasional woman or black guy, but basically, if you're bored enough to watch C-Span, it's a parade of geriatric old farts with the same old crap we've been listening to all my voting life.

I think you're too old for this job. I think I would like to see the under 40 set take a shot at this. I know that is terribly un-pc, but there you go. That's how I feel about it.

But here you are, we're stuck with you. Prove me wrong, please.

by lfaigen on Tue May 22, 2007 at 04:57:16 PM EST

hang on a sec

Let's give Bob a chance before taking pot shots at him. I definitely agree with you that we need more diversity in the leadership of this country. But I don't think anyone should discount the wisdom and the wealth of experience that Bob is bringing to Common Cause. And there are a lot of us in the "under 40 set" here in the office who will be working hard to help him succeed.

by Dawn Holian Iype on Wed May 23, 2007 at 07:52:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Bob Edgar

The words, decency, respect, honesty, integrity, all come to mind when I think of Bob Edgar. I worked for Bob Edgar's campaign as a high school student...way back when. He worked hard for his constituents and treated every campaign volunteer with kindness. I've followed his career with interest; always hoping he would return to Delaware County, PA to represent the area. If past performance is any indicator of future performance, he is a good choice to lead Common Cause.

by Marie Barlow on Wed May 23, 2007 at 10:22:40 AM EST

Agree and Disagree

I am not now, nor have I ever been, a member of Common Cause. As a card carrying Baby Boomer I've been a GDI ever since college, G*d Damn Independent.
The sense of skepticism expressed here was mine as well when he took the position of General Secretary of the NCCC-USA. But, as they say, you shall know them by their works.
In short order he turned the financial and organizational condition of the outfit around and brought new life to an group twice as old as Common Cause.
He didn't satisfy everyone, but never promised to either.
In the process he gave this aging Students for a Democratic Society member the best advice in a long time, "If you want to get something done, take action."
E.g. Bob was one of the first to draw attention to Darfur by getting religious leaders arrested, chaining himself to the Somali Embassy fence, I believe. He's had me on the streets ever since.
And he still has common sense, only slightly inflated ego, and WYSIWYG.
Give him two chances.

by BreakForMoose on Wed May 23, 2007 at 03:59:59 PM EST

Congratulations to Common Cause: Bob Edgars

I commend Common Cause for their initiative in recruiting Bob Edgars as President and CEO. He is an incredible humane, humble, strong person who speaks the truth. I am now inclined to join Common Cause in its endeavors because you have a leader who is dedicated to the best principles for all peoples, for justice and peace, for showing dignity and respect for all.

I first saw Bob Edgars at the forefront of a march on the Capitol lawn for children's rights. Knowledgeable about Congressional processes and ethical in all he does, Bob Edgars could lead our national back to the right path.

Thank you for your wisdom in choosing Bob Edgars as your leader, Common Cause.
Betty Whiting, Billings, Montana

by Betty Whiting on Wed May 23, 2007 at 07:51:38 PM EST

You are not logged in.

In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.

If not, you can make an account just by filling out the form below. It's quick and free.

Saying hello

By Bob EdgarPosted on Wed May 23, 2007 at 05:05:30 PM EST

By Bob Edgar
Posted on Wed May 23, 2007 at 05:05:30 PM EST