Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General's Statement On Supreme Court Ruling That Rips Apart Restraints On Corporate Campaign Spending

January 21, 2010

"This split Supreme Court decision is sadly historic -- threatening to drown the voices of ordinary citizens during elections with a flood of unlimited corporate spending. Fortunately, it has no effect on the pending challenge to Connecticut's campaign finance law, now pending before the court of appeals.

"This decision will further entrench and empower special interests against reform and change in Washington that citizens deserve and demand.

"It rips apart restraints against powerful, money-rich corporations that will overpower, overwhelm and undermine the people's voice. For decades our country has allowed healthy limitations against unregulated flow of corporate or union support of candidates for public office.

"While this decision protects prohibitions or limitations against direct campaign contributions, including Connecticut's campaign finance reforms, it opens a floodgate of funding for political messages in the public forum.

"Banks and other financial institutions recently empowered by billions in taxpayer bailout money will have newly unleashed and unfettered influence over campaign messages.

"Massive financial institutions, already wielding immense power over politicians in Washington, will be more emboldened and empowered than ever to influence policy and block effective reform by pouring vast sums of corporate wealth into elections.

"Congress must work fiercely and fast to respond to this dangerous decision by promptly passing legislation that ensures disclosure -- such as vigorous reporting requirements -- when powerful corporations and other special interests fund political ads and other messages."