“…the property of the people.” — Cicero, De Re Publica
11.2% of receipts from PACs — clean under the 15% cap, and no corporate leadership PAC. (FEC 2026)
60
2Free & Fair Electionscritical
82%★ earned
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” — Abraham Lincoln
No 2020 election denial, no fake-elector role, and no documented support for partisan gerrymandering. (Jan 6 roll call; OpenSecrets; redistricting record)
60
3The Dignity of the Opponent
68%★ earned
“Treat humanity … always as an end and never as a means only.” — Kant
Sharp partisan critic who frames disputes around policy and power rather than dehumanizing opponents.
60
4Fear Is Not Fuel
70%★ earned
“…the better angels of our nature.” — Lincoln, First Inaugural
Progressive Caucus leader runs primarily on an affirmative policy agenda rather than threat or grievance.
60
5Truth & a Kept Word
67%★ earned
“…living within the truth.” A representative owes “his judgment.” — Havel · Burke
Generally accurate fact-check record; the 2022 Ukraine-letter episode was a messaging misstep, not dishonesty.
60
6Against the Spirit of Party
58%☆ not yet
“The baneful effects of the spirit of party.” — Washington, Farewell Address
Pushed Democratic leadership from the left, occasionally breaking with the party's centrist line.
60
7Morality
75%★ earned
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
2023 protest arrest ended in a $50 fine with Ethics finding no issue; civil disobedience, not corruption.
60
Engage Jayapal
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This review is offered freely and openly to correction. A challenge is considered only when it states a specific reason and links to sources that substantiate it — an assertion without evidence is not reviewed.
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Scores are Independent 2026’s own editorial read against the Seven Articles — ≥60% earns the star. The first two Articles are critical: fail Open Books or Free & Fair Elections and there is no seal, whatever else holds. Each Article carries its founding quote as the yardstick. On bias →