Dear Friends,

Forty years ago, the Watergate scandal tested America's commitment to a fundamental principle: No one is above the law.

With help from courageous leaders in both political parties, a determined judiciary, an inquisitive press and a reform-minded Congress, we passed that test. But are our leaders and institutions up to the challenges facing our democracy today? Can "we the people" still hold power accountable? 

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Watergate, Common Cause is convening a two-day conference, "The Lessons of Watergate." We're bringing together Watergate figures, policy experts, advocates, journalists and citizens to examine what we can learn from the Watergate era to confront today's challenges to open and accountable government. 

For more information or to register, visit www.commoncause.org/watergate.

Featured speakers include:

• Hon. William Cohen, Republican House Judiciary Committee Member during Nixon impeachment hearings
• Daniel Ellsberg, whistleblower, The Pentagon Papers
• Hon. Russ Feingold, former US Senator, founder of Progressives United
• Hon. Elizabeth Holtzman, Democratic House Judiciary Committee Member during Nixon impeachment hearings
• Hon. Robert Reich, Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration, chair of Common Cause

You're also invited to join us Wednesday evening for a reception honoring the Uncommon Heroes of Watergate, men and women whose courage to speak truth to power helped save our country.

Visit www.commoncause.org/watergate to register. We hope to see you there! 

Thanks for all you do,

Bob Edgar
and the rest of the team at Common Cause