Courts Rule Both For And Against Megabusiness Politics

Corporate challenges follow Supreme Court Holding on Ads

Two new federal cases have been added to the precedent-
shattering Supreme Court decision handed down in January
that allows corporations the same rights as individuals when
it comes to political advertising and contributions.

In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Court
held 5 to 4 that election codes which limit the freedom of
expression of a corporation apply police powers to thought,
something held unconstitutional. It reverses a long-held
policy of the FEC to disallow corporations the right to do
so.

They will not make the contributions directly to the
candidates, but will pay for the advertising independently.

The result is that major corporations will be paying for
radio and television saturation coverage during the fall
elections.

Two other courts have issued opinions based on that holding.

The first, SpeechNow.org v. FEC, is concerned with
contributions to political committees that engage in
political expenditures but do not make contributions to
candidates. The federal appeals court held that there
should be no limit on the amount such committees may make to
candidates. SpeechNow.org has been ordered to reveal the
names of the donors.

In the second, a three-judge panel held that the Repubican
National Committee cannot raise unlimited amounts of cash
from corporations and individuals. That case is expected to
be sent on to the U.S. Supreme Court.