The IAF commitment
What should an independent representative promise before asking for your vote? We believe the answer should be specific enough to understand—and clear enough to evaluate later.
These are IAF's proposed voluntary standards. The formal signatory agreement, verification process, and enforcement rules have not yet been finalized. No candidate affiliation is being certified through this website today.
Serve the people who sent you
Set priorities by listening to the people of your state or district. Explain decisions in terms of their interests, not the demands of a national party organization.
Keep campaign funding local and transparent
Accept campaign contributions only from legally eligible individuals who reside in the state you seek to represent. Maintain records that allow the source of every campaign contribution to be verified. This is an IAF standard candidates would choose voluntarily, not a rule imposed by federal law on every candidate.
Say no to PAC, corporate, and hidden-source campaign money
Do not accept PAC or corporate contributions to your candidate committee, and do not accept concealed or pass-through contributions. Publish enough information for voters to assess the campaign's funding. These standards apply to a candidate's own campaign; A Common America is a legally separate Super PAC with its own obligations.
Work with anyone who can help
Collaborate with representatives of any affiliation when doing so can advance legitimate priorities shared by the communities you serve. Independence is not a commitment to stand alone.
Choose service over the spotlight
Treat public office as a duty, not a vehicle for personal publicity. Tell constituents what you are doing, what you can realistically accomplish, and where progress has been blocked.
Do not turn public service into a lobbying career
Commit not to become a paid lobbyist after leaving elected office. The final agreement will specify the covered activities, disclosures, and practical enforcement terms.
Accept public accountability
Agree to a transparent review process for adherence to the commitment, with clear opportunities to correct errors, explain decisions, and respond to substantiated breaches. No symbol or affiliation should be permanent regardless of conduct.
The commitment is a starting point
People from different states will disagree about specific laws. IAF is not asking them to think alike. It is asking them to be clear about whom they represent and how they serve. As formal affiliation rules are completed, we will publish them here for everyone to read.