Bob Bauer
Professor Bradley Smith has written an exceptionally succinct and well-argued case for super PACs. This author of Unfree Speech: The Folly of Campaign Finance Reform does not neglect to cite “personal freedom” in defense of these organizations, but he challenges their critics on one other level: their effects on the electoral process. He argues that super PAC spending improves turnout and competition, lessens the fundraising burden on candidates, and addresses other issues in the political system, such as the early primary states’ grip on the nominating process. Whatever else one may think about all this money, he writes, we should see Super PACs as beneficial – – doing good things for the political process.
There are points of major interest in Smith’s presentation, which are found in both what he says and what he does not.”
