Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court came down on a decision that will change the way we fund elections. In a 5-4 vote, the court removed a cap on how many candidates or committees a person can support per election cycle. Although the amount is still restricted to $2600 per candidate, an individual can now gift that amount to as many politicians as he or she wants. Opponents of the ruling worry the decision may suppress ordinary voices: “where enough money calls the tune,” said Justice William Breyer, “the general public will not be heard.” But supporters like Chief Justice Roberts say that this case follows first amendment rights. “Integration and access are not corruption,” said Roberts, “they embody a central feature of democracy that constituents support candidates who share their beliefs and interests.
GUESTS:
- Greg Moore – state director of Americans for Prosperity, a conservative political advocacy group that promotes limited government, lower taxes, and more freedom
- Rob Werner –former national field director of Americans for Campaign Reform
CALLOUT:
- John Greabe - director of the Rudman Center at UNH Law School. He teaches constitutional law, civil procedure, federal courts and jurisdiction.
Free speech isn't meant to promote equality, but prevent gov't from restricting rights - @GregMooreNH @AFP_NH. http://t.co/NNkdD0iGGG
— The Exchange (@NHPRExchange) April 8, 2014
Caller: do we want amount of money to equal amount of speech? http://t.co/NNkdD0iGGG #campaignfinance
— The Exchange (@NHPRExchange) April 8, 2014
#SCOTUS decision disappointing, but not a surprise - Rob Werner, longtime #campaignfinance reform advocate. http://t.co/NNkdD0iGGG
— The Exchange (@NHPRExchange) April 8, 2014
Limit on $ to indiv. candidates intact, but cap on total $ donated struck down - @NHLawProf. http://t.co/NNkdD0iGGG #Campaignfinance
— The Exchange (@NHPRExchange) April 8, 2014