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Political Spending: Civic Engagement is Not a Threat to Democracy
January 1, 2018  •  By IFS Staff  •    •  

The First Amendment guarantees every American freedom of speech. That freedom includes the right to spend money on speech. Without money, a political group cannot buy ads, print fliers, organize protests, or hire staff. Short of shouting one’s opinions on a street corner, it takes money to spread a message. Recognizing this relationship, the Supreme Court has long prohibited the…

Constitutional and Practical Issues with Arkansas House Bill 1005
January 18, 2017   •  By Matt Nese   •  , , ,

On behalf of the Center for Competitive Politics, we are writing you today to respectfully submit the following comments regarding the constitutional and practical ...

Judge Thomas Hardiman Applied Careful Scrutiny and Invalidated PAC Ban, but Passed on Opportunity to Correct DSF Panel Ruling
January 17, 2017   •  By David Keating   •  , ,

Hon. Thomas Hardiman United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (2007-Present); United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (2003-2007) ...

Judge Raymond Gruender Supports Nonprofit Speech Rights in Key Minnesota Case
January 17, 2017   •  By David Keating   •  , ,

Hon. Raymond Gruender United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (June 5, 2004-Present) Summary We found five cases where Judge Raymond Gruender ...

There’s no reason to be afraid of ‘dark money’ in politics
January 13, 2017   •  By Brad Smith   •  , ,

Before progressives began to obsess over “fake news,” they were convinced that the greatest threat to our democracy was the scourge of “dark money.” ...

Judge Charles Canady in Congress: A Strong but Mixed Pro-Free Speech Record
January 10, 2017   •  By David Keating   •  , ,

Hon. Charles Canady Florida Supreme Court (2008-Present, 2010-2012 as Chief Justice); Florida Second District Court of Appeal (2002-2008); United States House of Representatives (1993-2001) ...

“Drain the Swamp” Means Different Things for Trump Supporters and Speech Regulation Supporters
December 6, 2016   •  By Joe Albanese   •  ,

As the Trump Administration begins to take shape, the media and pro-regulation voices have honed in on the President-elect’s prospective cabinet and its fidelity ...

Steyer’s Plan to Challenge Trump is Healthy for Free Speech Environment
December 5, 2016   •  By Alex Baiocco   •  , ,

In response to Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton on Election Day, environmental activist and Democratic donor Tom Steyer has promised to continue to ...

Should Candidates Have Control Over Who Can Speak About Elections?
November 15, 2016   •  By Luke Wachob   •  , , ,

Unsuccessful candidates often blame their loss on an opponent’s spending. Sometimes those complaints are lodged at better-funded candidates, sometimes at the media, and other ...

Trump Supporters (and Most Americans) Couldn’t Care Less About His “Self-Funding” Flip Flop
November 14, 2016   •  By Joe Albanese   •  , ,

If there’s one thing that’s obvious about the 2016 election cycle, it’s that it was huge for outsider candidates. Besides Donald Trump’s surprise victory, ...

Money Doesn’t Buy Elections: 2016 Presidential Election Edition
November 9, 2016   •  By Scott Blackburn   •  ,

With the election of Donald Trump and the defeat of Hillary Clinton, we are reminded once again that the role of money in politics ...

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