Legal Commentary

The Politics Of Citizens United

By Big Tent Democrat

WaPo:

Americans of both parties overwhelmingly oppose a Supreme Court ruling that allows corporations and unions to spend as much as they want on political campaigns, and most favor new limits on such spending, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Eight in 10 poll respondents say they oppose the high court's Jan. 21 decision to allow unfettered corporate political spending, with 65 percent "strongly" opposed. Nearly as many backed congressional action to curb the ruling, with 72 percent in favor of reinstating limits.

[. . .] Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and other Republican lawmakers have praised the ruling as a victory for free speech and have signaled their intent to oppose any legislation intended to blunt the impact of the court's decision.

This issue can be a political tip of the spear for Democrats if they choose to feature a populist message for the 2010 elections. Financial reform, job creation and other Main Street initiatives could help Dems turn their fortunes around. This requires not listening to silly people like Evan Bayh and Mark Halperin though.

Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on February 17, 2010 (boomark / email).