High Court to Hear Campaign Finance Cases

[ecdab]

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to review a campaign finance law in Vermont, where reformers are trying to limit donations and spending in state political races.

The Vermont case has been watched closely by campaign finance reform advocates around the country, and by those who argue that limiting political contributions or expenditures would violate the First Amendment's free-speech guarantee.

The high court does not begin its term until next week, but justices released a list Tuesday of about a dozen cases that they will review beginning next year

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050927/ap_on_go_su_co/scotus_campaign_finance

If - and that's a big if - Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell wins this case in front of the high court, it could go a long way toward reviving our Democracy. This is a big one folks.

[AndyTiedye]

1. The Supreme Court Is Taking the Case So They Can Overturn The VT Law

If - and that's a big if - Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell wins this case in front of the high court, it could go a long way toward reviving our Democracy. This is a big one folks.

But he won't win this case. It was decided the moment the USSC agreed
to hear it.

The lower court upheld VT's campaign finance law, and the Repubs
appealed to the Supreme Court. In its usual partisan fashion, the
Supreme court has taken the case so they can overturn the VT law
and safeguard the Repubs ability to buy elections.

Roberts will be able to write his first USSC ruling: Those who have the gold make the rules and pick the rulers.

[ecdab]

2. the odds are stacked against

the Vermont Attorney general, granted. The primary reason that his odds are so long is that both the Democrats and the Republicans are against him for the most part. How many Democrats are out their fighting for real campaign finance reform? Sure there are a few, there are also a couple of Republicans. This, like most issues, boils down to public awareness, and the public is not aware of what is happening or how important this is (which isn't surprising or out of the ordinary). It would be nice if the Democrats were actually fighting for this cause and trying to raise the publics awareness.

I got a survey from Senator Clinton the other day. It asked about the problems facing this nation and listed issues to rank. It made no mention of campaign finance reform. I sent it back with a note telling her I couldn't donate money to a politician that wasn't even attempting to battle this countries greatest problem.

My local chapter of the Democratic party put together a list of issues they felt was central to fixing the direction of this nation at the request of the state party. It didn't mention campaign finance reform or curbing the national debt. I got a hold of their list and went before the district leadership council. I asked why these things were not included. They didn't feel they were important. It's pathetic, really, I don't have another word for it.

You are right - but the reason for your correctness can be blamed on more than just the Republicans (though their criminal leadership deserves a great deal of the blame).

[Toots]

3. I did exactly the same thing only said election/campaign reform

I told her IMO that the most important issue in America was not even on their Radar screen and that not one more dime would come from me until they woke up and realized that...

[ecdab]

4. Thanks for sending her a message Toots.

Now if we could get the rest of the folks in the progressive/democratic movement as concerned about campaign finance reform as they are concerned by the problems that are a result of our current campaign finance laws, we might start getting some place. Thanks again Toots.

I mean folks, come on - what problem out their doesn't have it roots buried deep in the fact that politicians don't need to work for the people anymore to get elected! Bought and sold legislators is the problem people. The rest of the things we complain about are just the symptoms. If we can not figure this one out as a group, you better damn well be sure that nobody else is going to.