CounterPunch Exclusives

CounterPunch Exclusives

Get Money Out of Politics

Individuals and corporations alike can spend infinite sums of money to influence elections and push candidates that will support and – at the very least – not oppose their interests. The Supreme Court protected such unlimited spending in its Buckley v. Valeo (1976) decision by classifying independent expenditures – which support or oppose a clearly identifiable candidate but are not made in coordination with a candidate – as constitutionally protected speech. The Court spread that right from individuals to corporations and unions in Citizens United v. FEC (2010).

Money currently dominates American politics:

The presidential and congressional elections in 2024 cost over $14.8 billion. In 2024, the House and Senate candidates who spent more money won nearly 94 percent and 88 percent of the time, respectively. Outside groups – such as Super PACs, 501(c)(4)s, corporations, and individuals – spent over $4.2 billion in “independent expenditures,” the outside spending the Supreme Court has barred Congress from limiting. Several studies show that campaign contributions yield greater access to lawmakers, providing a mechanism for lobbyists to purchase political power.

The presidential and congressional elections in 2024 cost over $14.8 billion.

In 2024, the House and Senate candidates who spent more money won nearly 94 percent and 88 percent of the time, respectively.

Outside groups – such as Super PACs, 501(c)(4)s, corporations, and individuals – spent over $4.2 billion in “independent expenditures,” the outside spending the Supreme Court has barred Congress from limiting.

Several studies........

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