Justices strike down taxpayer-supported campaign spending law

[cali]

By Bill Mears, CNN Supreme Court Producer
June 27, 2011 11:13 a.m. EDT

Washington (CNN) -- The Supreme Court has tossed out an Arizona law that provides extra taxpayer-funded support for office seekers who have been outspent by privately funded opponents or by independent political groups.

A conservative 5-4 majority of justices on Monday said the law violated free speech, concluding the state was impermissibly trying to "level the playing field" through a public finance system.

Arizona lawmakers had argued there was a compelling state interest in equalizing resources among competing candidates and interest groups.

The cases are McComish v. Bennett (10-239) and Arizona Free Enterprise Club's Freedom Club PAC v. Bennett (10-238).

<snip>

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/06/27/scotus.arizona.campaign.finance/index.html

[librechik]

1. so depressing

how can we even have hope when this multi-leveled coordinated movement to remove our powers as a citizen govt just keeps charging on unimpeded?

[texshelters]

2. Did any one expect a different result from this

corporate sponsored Supreme court? This court decided unlimited corporate donations to a campaign is okay, and now struck down public campaign support. Who's side are they one, really?

Not ours.

Peace,
Tex Shelters

[leveymg]

3. Another 5-4. Thanks a million for letting me stay on the bench. Love my job - Clarence Thomas

A few more like this, and my work will be done.

[Cali_Democrat]

4. Fleeing the country may be the only way out at this point.

Maybe to Canada or some Nordic country?

What else can be done? This country appears to be fucked x(