Supreme Court Rules that Corporations Can Donate to Elections

On January 21 the Supreme Court made a decision that will change elections forever. In a 5-4 ruling, the Court removed the limits on corporate spending in political campaigns , paving the way for unlimited corporate influence in our elections. Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell praised the court for a monumental decision toward restoring the First Amendment rights for corporations and unions. Democrats have asked for legislation to reinstate the ban on direct campaign spending by corporations.

President Obama stated, “With its ruling today, the Supreme Court has given a green light to a new stampede of special interest money in our politics. It is a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans.”

While television may be excited for the boost in ad revenue, Nick Nyhart, President and CEO of Public Campaign, is not. "This decision means more business as usual in Washington, stomping on voters’ hope for change. Congress must take on the insider Washington money culture if it wants to make the changes voters are demanding. The way to do that is by passing the Fair Elections Now Act.”

According to Common Cause President Bob Edgar, "This decision allows Wall Street to tap its vast corporate profits to drown out the voice of the public in our democracy. The path from here is clear: Congress must free itself from Wall Street's grip so Main Street can finally get a fair shake. We need to change the way America pays for elections. Passing the Fair Elections Now Act would give us the best Congress money can't buy."

How will the expected barrage of political ads from corporations and unions influence elections? Why did the Supreme Court make this decision? Will the backing by deep pockets corporations persuade voters to elect their candidates?