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upworthy

zephyr teachout

I have someone you should meet: Zephyr Teachout.

Zephyr is an author, professor, and crusader against the corrupting influence of money in politics.


In the fall of 2014, Zephyr ran for governor of New York in the Democratic primary against Andrew Cuomo. And though she didn't win, Zephyr captured 30% of the vote with almost no money.

Here's the best statistic, though: Her opponent, Andrew Cuomo, spent $60.62 for each one of his votes. Zephyr's campaign, however, spent only $1.57.

Why was Teachout so popular? Probably because she was extremely vocal about corruption. And not only was she talking about it, she was experiencing the struggle firsthand.


Sing it, Zephyr. No matter how you feel about teachers' unions, you have to respect someone who sticks to their principles, even if it costs them money.

Of course, her campaign is over, but she's going to continue fighting the good fight. Catch her and fellow anti-corruption activist, Lawrence Lessig, discuss the problem of money in politics on "Moyers & Company":

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