In a Survey USA poll conducted between August 3 and August 5, 77% of respondents agree with the statement “corporate election spending is an attempt to bribe politicians,” while only 19% believe that “corporate election spending is a form of free speech, so there should be no limit on how much corporations can spend to influence elections.” That number includes 70% of Republicans and 73% of Independents who agree that it constitutes bribery. Just 25% of Republicans and 23% of Independents regard such spending as free speech.
In another question, respondents were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with the ruling of Citizens United v. FEC in which the U. S. Supreme Court found unlimited campaign expenditures by corporations and other artificial legal entities to be protected free speech. Overall, 60% disagreed with the Supreme Court, including 52% of Republicans and 58% of Independents.
67% went so far as to say they would consider voting for a congressional candidate who would support a constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United decision, including 64% of Republicans and 69% of Independents.
On related issues, 56% responded that it would be “very important” to their decision making if a candidate committed to reducing corporate influence over elections. 68% want candidates to commit to reducing lobbyist influence in the writing of laws.
Democrats looking for an election issue that might work for them may want to take heed. Republicans may want to walk softly on this one, or avoid it altogether, after successfully filibustering the Disclose Act. Personal Disclosure: the Disclose Act, in my opinion, was a flagrantly partisan, and marginally corrupt, attempt to blunt the impact of Citizens United. While the successful filibuster may have been applauded in the solitude of my office, a different perception may prevail among the general population.
[Author’s Note: the Survey USA poll was commissioned by Move-On.org, but was conducted independently]
Cross posted at Elijah’s Sweete Spot.
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.