After twelve years, the Center for Competitive Politics is embracing a new identity
Alexandria, VA – The Center for Competitive Politics (CCP), the nation’s largest organization dedicated solely to protecting First Amendment political rights, announced today its new name, the Institute for Free Speech.
Though the group’s name is changing, its mission will remain the same. Since its founding in 2005, the Institute has fought for First Amendment political speech rights in every significant court case where they were at stake. Its efforts have contributed to a dramatic restoration of these rights – no other organization has done more to strengthen them.
“Back in 2005, it was important to emphasize that limiting speech frustrates our ability to have free and competitive elections,” said Institute for Free Speech Chair and Founder Bradley A. Smith. “But our very success in establishing the right to spend and speak about elections, especially in SpeechNow.org v. FEC, which established ‘super PACs,’ has led those who oppose robust discussion of candidates and issues to try to squelch speech in myriad new ways.”
“Free speech about candidates and issues remains subject to direct assault, but it is also being attacked indirectly with arcane rules at every level, using securities regulation, broadcast regulation, the IRS, government contracting power, harassment of individuals and organizations who speak out, and more,” Smith continued.
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will hailed CCP as the “gold standard” in advocacy work. But despite its success, CCP’s name often confused people about the organization’s work and objectives. The name Institute for Free Speech will clearly convey the group’s mission, to longtime supporters and newcomers alike.
“Most Americans support free speech,” said President David Keating. “We want people to know who we are and what we’re about from the first moment they meet us. Our new name will quickly tell policymakers, journalists, judges, and potential supporters what we do. It will help us become even more effective.”
The Institute for Free Speech is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It has been awarded a four star rating, the highest possible, for fiscal management and best practices in good governance by Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
About the Institute for Free Speech
The Institute for Free Speech is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes and defends the First Amendment rights to freely speak, assemble, publish, and petition the government. Originally known as the Center for Competitive Politics, it was founded in 2005 by Bradley A. Smith, a former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission. The Institute is the nation’s largest organization dedicated solely to protecting First Amendment political rights.
