Litigation

Will Elections Break Outside Spending Record?

By Peter Hardin

A flood of campaign money in this fall’s midterm elections, driven by business and conservative groups, could include a stunning $300 million budgeted by a 15 conservative tax-exempt groups.

The potential spending was discussed in a Los Angeles Times article, which cited the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision as a key factor–along with growing unhappiness over Democratic policies.

“A commitment of $300 million from just 15 organizations is a huge amount, putting them in record territory for groups on the right or left,” said Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics. “With control of Congress hanging in the balance, this kind of spending could have a major impact.”

Anthony J. Corrado Jr., a political scientist at Colby College in Maine, said, “What we are seeing is that major businesses and industries are taking advantage of the recent court ruling and favorable political environment.”

Last week, Senate Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to soften the impact of the Citizens United ruling through a bill with more stringent requirements for special interest groups, unions and corporations to disclose their political spending (see Gavel Grab).

Full post as published by The Gavel on August 02, 2010 (boomark / email).