CIVIC

Coalition of Independent Voters for an Inspired Congress

We are the “Courageous Center” who are willing to stand up for the Core Values that made America a great nation.
(download One Page Overview of CIVIC)

We are Independents, joined by Republicans and Democrats, deeply concerned that the democracy that is so precious to our way of life is under attack by extremists who seek to serve their own interests.

We seek to take back our democracy with moderate, rational, ethical, and intelligent candidates.

Candidates who are not on the fringe on either side, but who understand that that bi-partisanship is essential and willing to make a commitment to work together to solve America’s most vexing problems

To Keep Democracy Safe, the best strategy in the short-term is to FLIP the SENATE! NATIONWIDE!

We need to put guardrails on Executive Abuse.

We are disturbed that big dark money believes America is up for auction to the highest bidder. We cannot forsake our duty to keep America a “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

As of 2026, many of the guardrails that have protected our democracy have been obliterated:

– Wars are declared and Tariffs imposed without Congressional approval.
– The Department of Justice weaponizes its powers for political retribution.
– The Inspectors Generals and Auditors who ensure against Government Corruption have been fired.
– The Senate has Defaulted on its responsibility to check the Executive Branch according to the Constitution.

For the short term, we believe the most important task is to restore the Balance of Power between the Legislative and Executive Branches of the Constitution. Using the Constitutional authority of the Senate is the most strategically effective means of ensuring Congress will limit Executive Abuse.

Our aim for 2026 is to Flip the Senate & House, placing good candidates in office who will Restore Trust in America.

Our strategy is to support Candidates of Character.

This is somewhat different from others who support candidates based on their position on issues — these people are often overly influenced by lobbies and big money.

Our nation is facing many difficult issues, some will only be recognized in the future. Candidates of Good Character will be the ones who are most capable of solving problems, working together to find innovative solutions, and working in a bi-partisan manner.

BREAKING NEWS: Amy McGrath, running for Senate in Kentucky, will be coming to Naples:

• • April 14 at Center for Critical Thinking to deliver a major National Security Policy Address
  • April 15 CIVIC is holding a Fundraiser for her campaign.
    See Fundraiser Invitation.
    DONATE: Here’s the link to Attend our Fundraising Event: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mcgrathaprilfl

Our Vision

A Congress worthy of the American people — where Integrity, the Constitution, Unity, Service, and Justice guide every decision.

Our Mission

To mobilize Independent Voters to elect and support leaders who put:

• • Integrity Above Ambition,
  • Constitution Above Party,
  • Unity Above Faction,
  • Service Above Self,
  • Justice Above Power
    — Restoring Public Trust in our democracy.

Our Purpose

To be the Non-Partisan Civic Bridge that:

• • Lifts up candidates who meet the Highest Standard of American Character,
  • Gives citizens a clear, Non‑Partisan way to recognize Trustworthy Leaders,
  • Revives the Founding Promise of a Government truly: of, by, and for the people.

Consequences of Declining Trust

Polarization & Civic Animosity

Declining trust in institutions is strongly associated with increased political polarization, alienation, and diminished civic engagement. As Americans lose faith in government, media, and other institutions, they are more likely to:

• • View opposing parties and their supporters with suspicion or hostility.
  • Withdraw from civic life, including voting, volunteering, and community engagement.
  • Seek out information sources that confirm their existing beliefs, reinforcing echo chambers and ideological silos.
  • Question the legitimacy of elections and government actions, as seen in the aftermath of the 2020 election and January 6, 2021.

We seek candidates who will bridge polarization with bi-partisanship, seeking to solve America’s problems, not place blame on the other party.

Social Trust & Cohesion in our Institutions

Social trust in our most cherished institutions — government, the press, education, business, and religion —have all sunk to historic lows. The belief that “most people can be trusted”—has also declined, from 46% in 1972 to 34% in 2024. This erosion of confidence in institutions is correlated with declining interpersonal trust  and contributes to social fragmentation, isolation, and reduced willingness to cooperate for the common good.

We need representatives in Congress who have a strong moral backbone to speak truth to power, regardless of whether they will be attacked by extremists on both sides of the political spectrum.

Biased Media Consumption & Information Disorder

As trust in traditional media declines, Americans increasingly turn to social media, influencers, and partisan outlets for news, which peddle disinformation and propaganda. This shift has:

• • Increased exposure to misinformation and disinformation.
  • Amplified polarization and confusion, as people encounter divergent “facts” and narratives.
  • Undermined the ability of society to reach consensus on basic issues, complicating responses to crises such as pandemics or elections.

We seek candidates who are dedicated to the truth, search for accurate information, and promulgate wisdom, not extremism.

Institutional Performance & Legitimacy

Low trust makes it extremely hard for institutions to function effectively. Governments struggle to implement policies, police face resistance in communities, and schools and universities are caught in political crossfires. The legitimacy of institutions is called into question, threatening the stability of democratic governance.

Our Primary Criteria for Endorsing Candidates is CHARACTER — because we know, regardless of party affiliation, people of Good Character will be Trustworthy and able to engage in Bi-Partisan Collaboration to solve the problems that face all of us — for the good of our county.

Every two years the American politics industry fills the airwaves with the most virulent, scurrilous, wall-to-wall character assassination of nearly every political practitioner in the country – and then declares itself puzzled that America has lost trust in its politicians.
—Charles Krauthammer

Three Big Complaints by Independents

From our interaction with hundreds of voters in the last few years we hear three big complaints:

1. Trust: I just don’t trust these politicians. They are always putting political power ahead of the good of the people!
2. Divisiveness: When are they going to stop blaming each other and just work together to solve our problems?
3. Lesser of Two Evils: Every time I go into the voting booth I feel like I’m voting for the Lesser of Two Evils! (and end up getting the “Evil of Two Lessers!”)

Independents Turn the Tide

Throughout America about 45% of the electorate are now Independents.

This means any political party must appeal to Independents — The Courageous Center — to win an election.

Our aim is to turn the tide, to make Congress work for us, not for the politicians.

This takes a special type of politician who will put our country’s future ahead of their desire to control political power. These are the courageous politicians with character we are supporting.

It’s About Strategic Leverage

We are all busy people; time, human energy, & money seem to be our most precious resources.

Strategic Leverage is the critical factor that will make the biggest difference in our country’s destiny in the shortest time window:

The Aim of STRATEGY is to Impact Destiny.

We LEVERAGE our Time, Human Energy & Money by joining forces, focusing on gaining the largest impact in turning the tide in Congress, reversing our nation’s Descent into Darkness.

Our Endorsement Criteria

PILLAR	CORE QUESTION	KEY INDICATORS
I. Integrity, Moral Character & Transparency	Is this person honest, ethical, courageous, and transparent?	Track record of honesty; freedom from corruption; accountability for mistakes; truth-telling; support for open government
II. Constitutional Fidelity & Rule of Just Laws	Does this person revere the Constitution and its institutions?	Commitment to separation of powers; acceptance of election outcomes; protection of rights; support for independent oversight
III. National Unity & Bi-Partisanship	Does this person seek to unite or divide? To Rebuild Trust in American Institutions?	Cross-partisan collaboration; refusal to demonize opponents; “malice toward none” posture
IV. Civic Virtue & Public Service	Is this person a genuine public servant?	Service motivation; competence; fiscal responsibility; constituent engagement; electoral guardianship
V. Fairness, Justice & the Common Good	Does this person champion equal justice and opportunity for all?	Commitment to equal rights; anti-corruption stance; willingness to hold power accountable; moral leadership

Resources

We have provided a number of resources for you to help gain a better understanding of the key issues that face this nation.

(click on any button header to open up an extensive array of resources that will shed light on our aim to Rebuild Trust in America)