Topic: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

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Eight reasons to ‘mute’ super PAC ads

First Iowa, now Florida, have seen the first wave of political TV ads from super PACs – mostly negative – that will smother the 2012 presidential elections. Voters have an easy way to avoid such ads: the mute button. Here are eight reasons to use it:
Election 101: Five basics about 'super PACs' and 2012 campaign money

The 'super PAC' promises to shake up the 2012 election. This new fundraising heavyweight – which Stephen Colbert famously brought attention to with his own Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow – heralds a new era of 'superspending' in politics.

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Obama vs. Romney: 'World War III" for attack ads. But is that bad?

With five months to go until Election Day, the Romney and Obama campaigns are already slinging negative ads. But analysts suggest they're an essential part of voters' decision-making process.
Obama fundraises hard as super-PACs boost Romney's cash

The President has so far enjoyed a large lead in the money race, but as the GOP field solidifies more cash in flowing into the Romney camp.
John Edwards verdict could become part of Citizens United backlash

A diverse panel of North Carolinians is currently considering whether John Edwards committed campaign fraud in 2008, but the verdict could also reverberate nationally if it is at odds with the Supreme Court's landmark Citizens United ruling.
John Edwards trial: What will verdict mean for campaign finance? (+video)

Closing arguments in the John Edwards trial are set to begin Thursday. But the political significance of the trial in defining the limits of campaign finance has been greatly dampened.
Why Sarah Palin's pick could triumph in Nebraska's US Senate race in fall

Tuesday's victory by Deb Fischer, who had the endorsement of Sarah Palin in the Nebraska GOP Senate primary, is an upset. But Fischer may in fact be the strongest Republican to run against Democrat Bob Kerrey, analysts say.
Nebraska's GOP Senate primary: another tea party surprise?

A late surge for Sarah Palin's pick for the Nebraska primary could topple yet another GOP establishment candidate, in a race that could help determine control of the US Senate.
Supreme Court popularity hits new low. Will Obama attack?

Only 52 percent of the American public views the Supreme Court favorably. If the high court rules against Obama on health care or immigration he may be tempted to attack. But that would be risky.
White House seeks to head off showdown with judges over health-care comments

An appeals court judge has given the Obama administration until Thursday noon to clarify comments made by the president about health-care reform. The judge's question: Does Obama acknowledge that federal courts can strike down federal laws?
If Supreme Court scraps health-care law, who wins politically?

Harsh questioning from the Supreme Court majority has touched off new political calibrations over President Obama's health-care law. In some ways, Democrats could be the winners.
Can foreigners sue international corporations in US courts?

A 223-year-old law says foreigners can file lawsuits in American courts for alleged violations of international law. But whether they can sue corporations remains a question for the Supreme Court.
Surge, sag, repeat: Why the Republicans are so volatile.

Super PACs, the tea party, a surging and sagging field, and a party rule requiring proportional awarding of delegates in early-voting states are contributing to an unusually unsettled GOP race.
Montana's challenge to 'super PACs'

Montana's high court challenges the moral basis for the US Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling that spawned super PACs. The high court needs to rebalance free speech vs. democracy.
How super PACs are changing the GOP presidential race

The $41 million that 'super PACs' have spent so far leaves 2008 in the dust and is changing campaign dynamics. Notable effects: many more negative ads and an ability to keep faltering campaigns alive.
What gambling industry money has done on Newt Gingrich's behalf

No single person, outside the candidates themselves, has had more raw impact on the presidential election than casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson, via his donations to a pro-Gingrich 'super PAC.'
Mario Monti is working through Italy's debt crisis. Is the US watching?

Italy may find Prime Minister Mario Monti's dose of discipline hard to swallow, but his depoliticized democracy is the only form of government that can move Italy forward. Monti's experiment may also serve as an antidote to the political dysfunction in the West – especially the US.
A look back: In spite of super PACs, this isn't the most negative campaign in history

Negative campaigning is actually an American tradition. In fact, attack campaigning has been around since the beginning without derailing the electoral process. Mudslinging can hardly be called a positive campaign feature, but it is a sign of democracy in action.
Super PACs: FEC report sheds light on powerful influence of a few big donors (+video)

A strikingly few wealthy donors were the main 2011 contributors to super PACs, which analysts see as the main force behind a flood of negative campaign ads.
Super PACs: how a company that opposes them came to create one

CREDO Mobile, a cellphone company that describes itself as 'America’s only progressive phone company,' announced this week that it is mobilizing a super PAC to target tea party candidates.
Eight reasons to ‘mute’ super PAC ads

First Iowa, now Florida, have seen the first wave of political TV ads from super PACs – mostly negative – that will smother the 2012 presidential elections. Voters have an easy way to avoid such ads: the mute button. Here are eight reasons to use it:
The Vote
Jan Brewer vs. Obama: Can you respect the presidency but insult the president?

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer wagged her finger at President Obama. NHL player Tim Thomas boycotted a White House ceremony. Is the country 'losing basic courtesy and grace'?
Eight reasons to hit 'mute' during TV ads by super PACs

First Iowa, now South Carolina, have seen the first wave of political TV ads from super PACs – mostly negative – that will smother the 2012 elections. Voters have an easy way to avoid such ads.
In South Carolina, Romney, Gingrich brace for Super PAC attacks

The Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision opening up campaign ads to unlimited donations has launched Super Pac attacks against some Republicans in South Carolina.
Vox News
Stephen Colbert for president? What's his point? (+video)

Stephen Colbert handed over control of his super PAC cash pile to Jon Stewart Thursday, paving the way for a run at the presidency of 'the United States of South Carolina.'
Decoder Wire
Super PAC windfalls: How deep pockets are funding the 2012 election

A 'super PAC' endorsing Newt Gingrich recently received $5 million to help boost his 2012 election campaign. But the former House speaker isn't the only candidate to benefit from super PAC money. 
Is new Supreme Court ruling a retreat from Citizens United?

The Supreme Court upheld Monday a long-established provision of campaign finance law that seeks to prevent foreign interests from influencing domestic politics.