If Politicians Had to Wear Their Donors... I’ll Go First
- Rachael Dowling
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
There is an old joke that politicians should have to wear jackets with patches on them, like NASCAR drivers, so everyone can see who is funding them.
I decided to make it real.
This is the White Jacket Campaign.
For every donation of $5 or more to Dowling for Assembly, I will write the donor’s first name and last initial directly on my white jacket. Every Friday night, I will go through the donor list, add the names, and share an update.
Then I will wear that jacket to campaign events, public appearances, speaking engagements, press conferences, and community conversations.
Because transparency should not be hidden in a report.
It should be visible.
Why I’m Doing This
Our community deserves transparency from the people asking to represent them.
Too often, voters are asked to trust polished campaign ads, glossy mailers, and carefully worded promises without being able to easily see who is standing behind a candidate.
I believe the people who support a campaign matter.
I also believe voters deserve to know whether a campaign is being built by political machines, special interests, or everyday people who simply want better government.
This campaign is not being built by political machines.
It is being built by neighbors.
By families.
By people who believe government should listen first and act responsibly.
So let’s make transparency visible.
How the White Jacket Campaign Works
For every donation of $5 or more, I will write the donor’s first name and last initial on my white jacket.
For example:
Sarah M.John D.Amanda R.
Every Friday night, I will update the jacket with new donor names and share the progress publicly. By donating $5 or more, donors consent to having their first name and last initial written on the jacket. The full donor information will still be handled according to campaign finance rules and reporting requirements, but the jacket will serve as a visible reminder of who is helping build this campaign.
Real people.
Real neighbors.
Real support.
I Cannot Be Bought
I am running as an independent because I believe people deserve representation that is not controlled by party pressure or political machines.
If a PAC or organization donates to this campaign and does not align with my independent platform, that money will be returned.
My vote is not for sale.
My priorities are not for sale.
And my commitment to the people who live here is not for sale.
I am not running to protect a party. I am running to protect the people who live here.
Why Donations Matter
Campaigns cost money.
Not because they should be wasteful, but because reaching people takes real resources.
Signs cost money.Printed materials cost money. Website tools cost money. Events cost money. Door-to-door materials cost money.
And if I want to keep this campaign focused on people instead of political machines, I need people to help build it.
A $5 donation may seem small, but it matters.
It helps buy materials. It helps spread the message.
It helps keep this campaign moving.
And now, it also gets your name written on the White Jacket.
How to Donate
You can donate directly through PayPal or Venmo:
Every donation of $5 or more will be included in the weekly White Jacket update.
Let’s Make Transparency Visible
Our community needs leaders who are willing to be honest about who supports them, who they answer to, and what they stand for.
This is a creative idea, but the reason behind it is serious.
Government should listen first.
Leaders should act responsibly.
Campaigns should be transparent.
And voters should know exactly who is helping build the campaign asking for their trust.
If politicians had to wear their donors, I’ll go first.
Paid for by Friends of Rachael Dowling. Treasurer Debra Wenzel.
Comments