Lawmakers call for restrictions on political ads

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Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Corporations and unions would have to identify themselves on political ads they bankroll, and the CEO or top official would have to make "I approve this message" statements under legislation being introduced in Congress Thursday.

The measures are a direct response to a 5-4 ruling by the Supreme Court in January that upheld the First Amendment rights of such groups to spend money on campaign ads - a decision that greatly enhances their ability to influence federal elections.

"At a time when the public's fears about the influence of special interests were already high, this decision stacks the deck against the average American even more," Sen. Charles Schumer told a news conference on the steps of the Supreme Court building.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/29/AR2010042901497.html?wprss=rss_politics