Supreme Court McCutcheon Decision Reflects Latest Assault on Campaign Finance Laws

Press Release

The U.S. Supreme Court this morning released a decision that continues to erode campaign finance laws meant to protect the nation's democratic process. Today's decision, in McCutcheon v. FEC, removes the current overall limits individual donors can give to federal candidates or political groups. When taken with Citizens United, today's ruling makes it easier for a wealthy few to determine the outcomes of elections -- dramatically diminishing the voice of the American electorate in the process. Congressman Mike Michaud issued the following statement in response:

"Today's decision marks yet another assault on the average American's ability to have their fair say in the democratic process. Campaign finance laws were set up to ensure that wealthy special interest groups couldn't trample the will of the people, yet in the wake of Citizens United and today's ruling in McCutcheon, that is exactly what will happen."

Rep. Michaud supports a number of pieces of legislation to overturn the damaging Citizens United ruling and ensure the people can have the final say on campaign expenditure rules. Michaud is a co-sponsor on H.J. Res. 20, H.J. Res. 25 and H.J. Res. 31 -- all of which aim to reign in the tidal wave of special interest spending unleashed by Citizens United.

"Mainers don't want a few wealthy out-of-staters determining the outcomes of their elections. That's why I'm proud to support a number of pieces of legislation that put the people and the state in charge of regulating campaign expenditures. I'm committed to working toward undoing these harmful decisions that tarnish our democracy."

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