Citizens United Campaign Funds Ruling Leaves Democrats Reeling

The US supreme court has delivered a fresh blow to the Democrats, already reeling from their stunning defeat in the Massachusetts Senate race, by opening the floodgates to huge corporate funding of campaigns for or against presidential and congressional candidates.

In a decision that could have a profound impact on future elections, the court overturned a 20-year-old ruling that barred businesses from paying for campaign adverts. The decision in what is known as the Citizens United case will allow big businesses – such those selling arms, drugs or insurance companies – that already wield influence through lobby groups to openly back favoured candidates who support their interests.

The court also struck down part of a separate campaign finance bill that barred companies and trade unions from publishing political adverts in the closing days of election campaigns.

The ruling was swiftly condemned by liberal pressure groups such as the People for the American Way, which described it as "putting corporate power above individual rights".

"It is a long established principle that the government can act in the interest of democracy to prevent corporations from pouring in billions of dollars to unduly influence elections," the group said. "Given conservative rhetoric about deference to the democratically elected branches, today's ruling is stunning".

Republicans are expected to be the principal beneficiaries of the ruling, a further blow to some Democratic party candidates in November's midterm elections who are already feeling exposed after the Republican candidate, Scott Brown, won an upset victory in Massachusetts, taking the seat left vacant by the death of Democratic icon Edward (Ted) Kennedy.

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GUARDIAN UK: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/21/citizens-united-supreme-court-ruling

Just what we need -- MORE corporate influence and control.

In 2012, be sure to vote for the MONEY PARTY (which will be the only options on the ballot, mind you).

I am nauseated and ill..but not surprised.

:cry: I'll go mourn now.

I guess the one saving grace is that our beloved Teddy isn't here to see this, though I would love to hear his response.

left reeling regardless of party.

I guess the Supreme Court is the same as the Democratic Party.

I guess the POTUS has control over how they rule.

I guess the House and Senate is the same as the U.S. Supreme Court.

Oh wait they are separate branches.

People shouldn't be allowed to forget that, or else they don't fully grasp the level of douchebaggery.

I agree; we are way too timid. Clearly, the odds of the less powerful EVER being treated fairly are just too remote to believe in. I see this truth now. I also see America is becoming more like a third world country every day. There are things that can be done by those in the halls of Congress and the White House to carve out as much for us as possible. I mean, these truly are desperate times.

My only quandry now is what for me to do? With this decision, the odds of a Palin-Brown ticket fronting corporations - foreign and domestic - in 2012 become much more realistic. Where will I turn? What will I do with my rage?

That's where we're headed if we don't clean up this mess. This is more depressing than the 8 years under Baby Bush.

And more disappointing. Such high hopes. I do believe Obama's heart is in the right place. He's just gotten really bad advice. And too naive. I keep remembering how as a candidate one argument against him was lack of experience. Lack of experience, naivete, call it what you will - yah, I don't think he gave the Republicans (including 5 supreme court justices) enough credit for how low they could go.

"grow a pair"

that's rich. priceless really.

It's not "freedom of speech" issue - you can't advertise cigarettes on TV and radio.

GET THIS: 90%+ of campaign spending is for broadcast advertising.

Public financing SOUNDS like a good idea, but the fact is that the heart of the issue is BROADCAST ADVERTISING. Eliminate that, and you've eliminated 90% of the power of wealth over truth.

They can advertise in print, canvass, junk mail, rally all they want. Who cares?

The money is in broadcast.

PS Bring back the fairness doctrine. - AGAIN - IT WAS THERE BEFORE WE CAN BRING IT *BACK*.

The Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to prevent companies from buying advertising to support or oppose a candidate. Unless we get a different court ruling, it would still be unconstitutional for congress to prevent companies from doing so, no matter how elections campaigns are funded.

(this is directed to our brilliant Dem Reps).

Just like we all knew Coakley losing was a real possiblity. Except, again, you.

You clowns are dumber than the dumbest fucks I know. And I know some real dumb fucks.

If I want clowns I'll go to goddamn Ringling Brothers.

should be put to use for terrorism or defense. It's so effective at keeping things out.