ACLU plans greater focus on political role
The executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union says he wants the group to be as well known for its political work as its litigation.
In an interview with the Washington Post, executive director Anthony Romero said the group can no longer rely on litigation or “old-style lobbying.”
“The gridlock in Washington is suffocating,” he said. “Sitting down with legislators, walking through the pros and cons of a particular bill and trying to cajole them to do the right thing increasingly draws limited dividends. The place to light a fire under them is in their home district.”
The ACLU is planning ballot initiatives on sentencing reform in three states—yet to be chosen—with high rates of incarceration, the Post says. The group also plans to spend at least $5 million in the states seeking protections against bias for gays and transsexuals.
The ACLU has created a new position—a national political director—and hired Democratic operative Karin Johanson for the job.
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