Lessig Kicks Off Presidential Campaign at New England College

New England College will host its second presidential candidate for the Democratic nomination with a Town Hall Meeting for Lawrence Lessig, according to a press statement.

According to NEC Professor of Political Science Wayne Lesperance, “While perhaps not as well-known as others running for president, Professor Lessig has made news with his unorthodox plan: he is running to get money out of politics. Specifically, his goal is to end the Citizens United decision. Once that’s complete he plans to resign and turn the presidency over to his Vice President.”

Lessig’s visit to NEC comes on Constitution Day, a fitting time to discuss campaign funding and voting rights.

Lessig studied economics at college, philosophy at graduate school, and finally law. He clerked in the federal judiciary before becoming a professor in 1991. His initial focus was constitutional law, and he worked across eastern and central Europe to understand and then help with the transition away from Communism. In 2007, Aaron Swartz convinced him to shift his work to ending the corruption of our democracy. With Swartz and Joe Trippi, he founded (what became) Rootstrikers. He was a founder of the New Hampshire Rebellion, and a co-founder of Mayday.US.

Lessig’s Town Hall Meeting is Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, at 10 a.m., in the Simon Center Great Room at New England College. The event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement at New England College.