Historic Decision Reversing Campaign Laws
The Supreme Court, in a five to four decision, on this Thursday overturned a six decade old law designed to limit the influence of large corporations and unions on elections. The new ruling will allow for unlimited spending by both large business and unions in support of, or opposition to candidates for Congress and the presidency. The six decade old law essentially prohibited labor unions and companies from using monies from their general treasuries for the purpose of producing and running campaign ads. The reversal however leaves intact the prohibition on direct contributions from businesses and unions. The decision of the court also overturned the McCain/Feingold campaign finance bill which prohibited corporate and union funded issue ads in the final days of a campaign. The case brought before the High Court by Citizens United, was framed essentially as a first amendment issue. That is the right of organizatio...