Common Cause is a watchdog group based in Washington, D.C., with chapters in 35 states. It was founded in 1970 by John W. Gardner, a Republican, who was the former Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in the administration of President Lyndon Johnson. It is an advocacy group for minorities and the working poor in urban areas. The group was known for its efforts to bring about an end to the Vietnam War and lower the voting age from 21 to 18.