New Polling Information on the Citizens United Decision

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A new Quinnipiac Poll released today shows overwhelming public opposition to the Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case. According to the Quinnipiac Poll:

Voters disapprove 79 – 14 percent of the Supreme Court’s January ruling removing limits on the amount corporations and unions could spend attacking or boosting political candidates, with consistently strong opposition across the political spectrum.

The new poll confirms an earlier poll by The Washington Post/ABC News which according to a Washington Post article (February 17, 2010) found the following:

Eight in 10 poll respondents say they oppose the high court’s Jan. 21 decision to allow unfettered corporate political spending, with 65 percent "strongly" opposed. Nearly as many backed congressional action to curb the ruling, with 72 percent in favor of reinstating limits.

The poll reveals relatively little difference of opinion on the issue among Democrats (85 percent opposed to the ruling), Republicans (76 percent) and independents (81 percent).

Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Mike Castle (R-DE) are expected shortly to introduce legislation to respond to the Citizens United decision, with a principle focus on new disclosure requirements for campaign-related activities by corporations, labor unions, trade associations and non-profit organizations.

In the Citizens United decision, the Supreme Court by an 8 to 1 vote also held that disclosure of such campaign activities was constitutional and appropriate. The Court stated:

The First Amendment protects political speech; and disclosure permits citizens and shareholders to react to the speech of corporate entities in a proper way. This transparency enables the electorate to make informed decisions and give proper weight to different speakers and messages.

“It is essential for Congress to move quickly to enact this legislation and make new campaign finance rules effective in time for the 2010 congressional elections,” according to Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer.