As the 2020 US Presidential election draws near, the cryptocurrency industry is taking a keen interest in Vice President Kamala Harris and her stance on crypto regulations. A group of cryptocurrency investors and industry executives is planning to host a Friday, September 13, fundraising event for Vice President Harris in Washington, to raise at least $100,000.
Scheduled to take place between the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus conferences, this grassroots event aims to bring together a diverse group of donors who are supportive of Harris. The hope is that by rallying behind the Democratic nominee, they can influence her stance on crypto regulations if elected Vice President.
With tickets ranging from $500 to $5,000, organizers hope to send a message that they are rallying behind Harris in hopes that she will pursue a softer regulatory stance on crypto if elected. This comes as the Securities and Exchange Commission under President Joe Biden has cracked down on the sector, leading many in the industry to seek more favourable policies from politicians.
The group behind this fundraiser includes prominent figures such as Tiffany Smith, co-chair of the Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Working Group at law firm WilmerHale. They are hoping that by supporting Harris’s campaign efforts early on, they can help shape her understanding of how important this industry is for innovation and access to capital among people of diverse races.
While some prominent figures within the crypto community have already shown support for Harris through various fundraisers and town hall events, there remains uncertainty about her stance on cryptocurrency. However, her campaign staff have met with major firms in the industry including Coinbase and Ripple.
Both sides see potential benefits in aligning themselves with political candidates who support their interests. With super PACs from big crypto companies donating funds across party lines for pro-crypto candidates in congressional races – rather than solely focusing on presidential candidates – it’s evident that there is a growing push for influence within Washington’s corridors of power.
As we head into an election year where pressing issues surrounding technology regulation and innovation take centre stage, it will be interesting to see how leaders like Kamala Harris navigate these evolving landscapes while balancing needs across various industries. For now, all eyes remain fixed on how she might address these topics should she assume office – which could prove pivotal given her potential sway over voters within a rapidly expanding sector like cryptocurrency.
