Campaign Finance Institute analysis shows futility of ‘reform’

February 25, 2009   •  By Jeff Patch
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Non-profit 501(c) committees and 527 committees spent more than $400 million in the 2008 election cycle, according to a new analysis by the Campaign Finance Institute (CFI). The report clearly shows that efforts by those in the so-called reform community to remove money from politics has only shifted money to different areas and trampled free speech rights in the process.

Donors to 527s and 501(c) committees are often the same donors to candidates and PACs, according to the analysis, which CFI suggests undermines “reform” efforts.

“Donors to both political candidates and these independent groups are exercising their First Amendment right to participate in the political process,” said CCP President Sean Parnell. “‘Reforming’ this system by over-regulating contributions to candidates and political committees is futile and tramples on citizens’ First Amendment rights. It’s time for real reform, which removes needless regulatory red tape from the political process and protects free speech for everyone – including donors who only seek to support those who agree with their beliefs.”

Jeff Patch

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