Campaign finance case part of nationwide push
The recent court decision declaring part of the state’s campaign finance laws unconstitutional is part of a nationwide effort to turn back laws restricting citizen participation on ballot initiatives.
Paula Avelar, an attorney with the Virginia-based Institute for Justice, said Friday his libertarian organization seeks to take such cases before the U.S. Supreme Court for a final decision on this and other similar state laws.
“If these laws are too onerous for unions or corporations, they’re also on individuals and their neighbors,” he said, referring to the controversial Citizens United decision by the nation’s highest court that opened the doors to unlimited political spending by deep-pocketed groups or businesses.
State Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, is one legislator warning that such rollbacks will prevent citizens from knowing who is giving what to support or fight constitutional changes.
Daily Journal
10/6/13
Magnolia Tribune
