C is for Citizens

 

Citizens United v Federal Election Commission 
[January 21, 2010, decision 5-4]

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 placed limits on election contributions by interest groups and national political parties.  All campaign advertisements must include a verbal statement to the effect of "I'm [Candidate's Name] and I approve this message."  It also prohibited ads paid for by corporations, unions, and other associations, which named a candidate, within 30 days of a primary election or 60 days of a general election.

During the 2008 election period, Citizens United wanted to pay for ads critical of Hillary Clinton.  These ads would not be permissible by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002.  Citizens United sued the Federal Election Commission, stating this restriction violated its free speech rights and the free speech rights of its members.

The Supreme Court ruled that the government cannot restrict the spending of corporations and unions for political campaigns, maintaining that it's their First Amendment right to support candidates as they choose.  The money can't be donated to any specific political party or candidate, but can be donated to Political Action Committees [PACs] which then could purchase advertising either in favor of, or criticizing, a candidate or issue.  President Obama expressed disapproval of the decision, calling it a victory for Wall Street and Big Business. 

Did you guess right?
Here's Wednesday's hint - D is for Dale.  Can you guess the case and what it's about?  Leave a comment!