Dec 27, 2006 -- President Gerald Ford, an Advocate for Candidate Access to Nation's Airwaves: Statement of Meredith McGehee, Campaign Legal Center Policy Director

America has lost a dignified elder statesman with the passing of President Gerald Ford. His legacy will be chronicled extensively, but beyond the oft-cited headlines, President Ford was a tireless proponent of American democracy.

President Ford understood the need to provide better access for candidates to the nation's airwaves so that the American people can be better informed about their choices. It was that recognition that led President Ford to join with his successor in the White House, President Jimmy Carter, as honorary co-chairs of the Our Democracy Our Airwaves Campaign. Their work to further the goal of a better informed electorate through the use of public airwaves has strengthened our democracy. President Ford and his leadership on this issue so integral to our democracy will be greatly missed.