All articles tagged with #citizens united
Hawaii lawmakers introduced a bill to limit corporate spending in political campaigns, aiming to reduce corporate influence in elections in response to the Citizens United ruling.
Hawaii's Legislature approved a first-in-the-nation bill to strip corporations of the power to spend money in state elections, challenging the Citizens United ruling. SB 2471 goes to Governor Josh Green with an expected 2027 effective date if signed; supporters say it protects democracy from corporate influence, while opponents warn of legal challenges and potential costs. The measure includes a safeguard to unbind Hawaii corporations if courts narrow its scope, reflecting ongoing concern over dark money and foreign influence in politics.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a case brought by Republicans challenging restrictions on party committees' coordinated spending with candidates, which could potentially overturn a 2001 ruling and further weaken campaign finance limits, amid ongoing debates over free speech and political influence.
Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and conservative activists strategically created a non-profit group to exploit the Citizens United ruling, which designated money as political speech. Thomas collaborated with Federalist Society leader Leonard Leo to advance the conservative agenda, including overturning laws on abortion and affirmative action. The funding for their efforts came from Harlan Crow, a billionaire known for his fascination with Nazi memorabilia. Thomas faced scrutiny for her relationship with Crow, who provided initial donations for their group, Liberty Central. Thomas later created a for-profit consulting business, and Leo used a dormant tax-exempt group to pay her. Questions have been raised about the nature of Thomas' services and the financial reporting of the tax-exempt group.
An investigation reveals how Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, collaborated with conservative activist Leonard Leo to create a nonprofit, Liberty Central, that aimed to dismantle the Obama administration's healthcare agenda. The investigation also uncovers financial support from billionaire Harlan Crow and raises questions about the nature of Thomas' consulting business and the activities of tax-exempt nonprofits associated with Leo. As questions about ethics on the Supreme Court continue to arise, the Virginia election is seen as a test run for both parties' messaging ahead of 2024, with Democrats focusing on abortion rights and "MAGA extremists."