Democracy 21 Praises Supreme Court Decision Upholding Ban on Judges Soliciting Contributions
Democracy 21 praises the Supreme Court’s decision in Williams-Yulee v. The Florida Bar today that will help to protect the integrity of elected judiciaries throughout the country.
The Supreme Court’s 5 to 4 decision vote upheld the Florida Bar’s ban on judges soliciting campaign contributions for their judicial elections.
Chief Justice Roberts in his opinion recognized Florida’s compelling interest in preserving public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary.
It is extremely unfortunate, however, that Chief Justice Roberts has failed to recognize the nation’s equally compelling interest in preserving public confidence in the integrity of the other branches of government.
The failure by Chief Justice Roberts and four of his colleagues to understand and recognize the importance of public confidence in the presidency and Congress has left our political system in shambles.
The Supreme Court majority has left citizens facing a corrupt campaign finance system in which billionaires and multimillionaires have greatly magnified influence over federal elections and government decisions.
Democracy 21 and Public Citizen filed an amicus brief in the Williams-Yulee case in support of the solicitation ban, represented by lawyers from the law firm of WilmerHale and from Democracy 21 and Public Citizen. Scott Nelson of Public Citizen served as the lead attorney on the amicus brief.
