Delegate Sam Rasoul pledges to not accept PAC, registered lobbyists donations

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - On Wednesday, Delegate Sam Rasoul, a Democrat who represents the city of Roanoke, pledged to no longer accept any special interest Political Action Committee (PAC) donations.

"In addition to not taking special interest PAC dollars, I will be making a pledge not to accept any donations from registered lobbyists as well," said Rasoul.

The announcement comes at a time when voters, like Ivonne Wallace Fuentes, said they have concerns about the influence of money in politics.

"There is a lot of distrust about the amount of money in our political process," said Ivonne Wallace Fuentes who is a member of the Together We Will Southwest Virginia organization.

Rasoul is believed to be the only current state delegate declining money from PACs and registered lobbyists.

Rasoul's campaign received more than $472,000 since 2013, according to the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP).

VPAP listed some of his top donations came from the health care industry, financial services and political groups.

Moving forward, Rasoul said he wants to use public financing for his campaigns. His announcement comes during an election year in Virginia. Rasoul said compared to challenged races, it may be easier for him to swear off PAC donations because he's running unopposed. Rasoul serves the 11th District which is a predominantly Democratic district.

"I recognize that and I also recognize that what I am presenting is not the solution. It's a good first step," he explained.

Declining money from special interest groups is a step some voters hope to see other politicians follow.

"Trying to make sure our elected representatives are representing us," said Fuentes. "Their constituents should have perhaps the loudest voice at the table since we are the ones giving them the power to govern in our names in the halls of Richmond and Washington, D.C."

Fuentes said Rasoul has made a courageous move and a first step helping to restore trust that's starting in the Star City.