Common Cause report highlights possible effects of Citizens United Decision

Washington, DC—The U.S. Supreme Court will soon release its decision on Citizens United v. FEC, a case that could decide the role of corporate campaign contributions in our political system. Common Cause has released a new report highlighting the potential implications on our elections if the high court decides to undo decades of campaign finance precedents.    

“Americans know the problem is bad today and getting worse every election cycle,” said Nick Nyhart, president and CEO of Public Campaign. “The current pay-to-play political system is already a battle between David and Goliath, with big moneyed campaign coffers dwarfing the pool of small dollar donors. This report shows that the outcome of this case could put Goliath’s big money strength on steroids.”

In its decision, the Supreme Court could give corporations an additional tool to influence elections. The fear of additional corporate spending in elections will result in candidates for Congress spending more time dialing for dollars. The most effective way to counter this is by passing the Fair Elections Now Act, legislation that would create a voluntary system in which candidates could run for office on a mix of small donations and public funding, a measure that has repeatedly passed constitutional muster.

“The everyday citizens of this country need more influence in the political process and that's what Fair Elections does -- places elections in the hands of the voters,” said Nyhart. “And this report shows that corporate spending in elections necessitates that more than ever before.”

The new report is available online at:
http://www.commoncause.org/citizensunitedreport (pdf)

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Based in Washington, D.C., Public Campaign is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing comprehensive reform of America’s election laws and works to hold politicians accountable for the favors they do for special interests.