In the landmark 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision the Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment prohibits government from placing limits on independent spending for political purposes by corporations and unions. What have been the effects of this ruling? How is its influence being felt in campaign spending in state and national elections? What will the future effects be? Can Citizens United be overturned?
Janice Thompson is executive director of Common Cause Oregon, which she joined in 2009 after leading the Money in Politics Research Action Project and Democracy Reform Oregon.
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