28 August 2008 Register  |  Login
   
 Search
 
Get involved!


When thousands of people donate no more than $100 per person per election, we can build a campaign without money from special interests.

 
_______________________

But it's about more than money. We need your energy and your enthusiasm, too. Sign up to volunteer on Jim Hansen's campaign for Congress.


_______________________

 

Americans want spending limits in campaigns
Location: BlogsJim's Blog    
Posted by: Jim Hansen 2/26/2006
Interesting case in the US Supreme Court today which addresses the free speech implications of campaign spending limits. Regardless of the outcome, however, there is a workable solution in some states which strikes a good balance.
The US Supreme Court is hearing a case today on Vermont's law that limits campaign spending. A bi-partisan group of former members of Congress support spending limits, including former Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming (R) and former Sen. Bill Bradley of New Jersey (D). Americans are so sick of the massive spending on campaigns (and the amount of time that must be spent raising money from private interests in the spending "arms race") that they support limits by an overwhelming 87%.

I am a strong supporter of first amendment rights of free speech and agree with the notion that too many restrictions on spending raise free speech issues. I am glad the Supreme Court will have a chance to revisit the balance between free speech rights associated with the ability to spend money buying ads and the need to reduce the corrupting influence of money in elections. It is a tough balance to strike and after 30 years, we could use some clarity.

Regardless of the Supreme Court's decision, some states have already come up with a solid solution that protects free speech and limits spending. Their laws have already passed constitutional tests in the courts. Arizona, Maine and several other states have a system of voluntary public financing. Where the money comes from is as important to consider as the amount of money being spent.

The National Voting Rights Institute has some interesting materials on this issue.
Permalink |  Trackback





Links used for blogs
  

 
 
 
2006  |  Citadel Hosting  |  Terms Of Use  |  Contact Us