This is true, independent expenditures. Although let me provide a little experience I'm having, and I why I don't think independent expenditures are neccesarily bad.
I'm doing grassroots stuff for Howard Dean (www.lafordean.org), and independent expenditures really are like free speech. Every bumper sticker I buy, even if I get reimbursed by someone in the form of a donation, is an independent expenditure. Once I spend 250$ in independent expenditures I have to report it to the FEC.
Now I understand this is a far cry from what corporations do. But 250$ to a college student is probably the equivalent to a million to some company. I do see that as free speech. I'd like more millionaires taking out full-page ads in the New York Times.
The key to independent expenditures is that there is no coordination with the campaign. The problem in the past has been unlimitted "soft" money going to the campaign/party to spend how they see fit.
So yes the "independent expenditure loophole" will stay open, I don't think that is neccessarily a bad thing.
No offense, but yours is as well:)
PAC's can only donate 5,000$ to a candidate. Yes they can give 5,000 to a bunch of candidates, but your scenario above wouldn't pass the FEC.
OpenSecrets for more finance basics.
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This is true, independent expenditures. Although let me provide a little experience I'm having, and I why I don't think independent expenditures are neccesarily bad.
I'm doing grassroots stuff for Howard Dean (www.lafordean.org), and independent expenditures really are like free speech. Every bumper sticker I buy, even if I get reimbursed by someone in the form of a donation, is an independent expenditure. Once I spend 250$ in independent expenditures I have to report it to the FEC.
Now I understand this is a far cry from what corporations do. But 250$ to a college student is probably the equivalent to a million to some company. I do see that as free speech. I'd like more millionaires taking out full-page ads in the New York Times.
The key to independent expenditures is that there is no coordination with the campaign. The problem in the past has been unlimitted "soft" money going to the campaign/party to spend how they see fit.
So yes the "independent expenditure loophole" will stay open, I don't think that is neccessarily a bad thing.
No offense, but yours is as well :)
PAC's can only donate 5,000$ to a candidate. Yes they can give 5,000 to a bunch of candidates, but your scenario above wouldn't pass the FEC.
OpenSecrets for more finance basics.