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Citizens United

All articles tagged with #citizens united

Court Ends Coordinated Party Spending Caps, Boosting GOP Prospects
politics10 days ago

Court Ends Coordinated Party Spending Caps, Boosting GOP Prospects

The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, struck down federal limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with nominees, overturning a 2001 precedent and expanding spending freedom under the First Amendment. The decision lets parties coordinate more with candidates and access discounted broadcast ad time within 60 days of elections, a shift that could bolster Republicans ahead of the midterms. Dissenting justices warned it undermines democratic integrity, while supporters argue it enhances participation amid rising outside spending since Citizens United.

SCOTUS Strikes Down Coordinated Campaign Spending Caps
politics10 days ago

SCOTUS Strikes Down Coordinated Campaign Spending Caps

The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision authored by Justice Kavanaugh, struck down longstanding federal limits on how much national party committees can spend in coordination with candidates, ruling such caps violate the First Amendment. The ruling lets parties spend unlimited money in coordination with candidates while independent expenditures remain unrestricted but must be separate from campaigns. Republicans cheered, arguing the decision levels the playing field, while Democrats warned it empowers billionaires and special interests. The change follows decades of rollback of campaign-finance rules since Citizens United and could boost party spending in the 2026 elections; the old caps—up to about $4 million for Senate races and around $127,000 for large House seats—no longer constrain coordinated spending.

Hawaii Moves to Bar Corporate Cash in State Elections
politics2 months ago

Hawaii Moves to Bar Corporate Cash in State Elections

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 Collaborative Efforts of Ginni Thomas and Conservative Activists in Exploiting Citizens United Ruling
politics2 years ago

The Collaborative Efforts of Ginni Thomas and Conservative Activists in Exploiting Citizens United Ruling

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.

"Chuck Todd's Final 'Meet the Press' Show Features Ginni Thomas, Sen. Bill Cassidy, Gov. Gavin Newsom, and a Warning about Ron DeSantis"
politics2 years ago

"Chuck Todd's Final 'Meet the Press' Show Features Ginni Thomas, Sen. Bill Cassidy, Gov. Gavin Newsom, and a Warning about Ron DeSantis"

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."