Obama Blasts Court Ruling on Campaign Finance

More influence for special interests is the "last thing" we need

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 23, 2010 7:31 AM CST

(AP) – President Obama blasted this week's Supreme Court decision easing limits on campaign spending by corporations and labor unions in his address this morning, saying, "I can't think of anything more devastating to the public interest. The last thing we need to do is hand more influence to the lobbyists in Washington or more power to the special interests to tip the outcome of elections."

Obama said the decision will make it harder to enact financial reforms, close tax loopholes, promote energy independence and protect patients from insurance company abuses—key elements of his domestic agenda. Public servants who stand up to Wall Street banks, oil companies, health insurers and other powerful interests could find themselves under attack when election time rolls around, he said, adding that the White House and Congress will work to develop a "forceful bipartisan response" to the decision.

President Barack Obama holds a town hall style meeting at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio, Friday, Jan. 22, 2010. (Charles Dharapak)

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Obama Blasts Court Ruling on Campaign Finance

More influence for special interests is the "last thing" we need

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Justices Nix 'Millionaire's Amendment' for Campaigns

Opponents of wealthy candidates will no longer see donor ceilings raised

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

Colbert Making Supreme Court Look Stupid

Dahlia Lithwick says court is ill-equipped to deal with comedy

Obama Losing Super PAC War

...because he's not terribly interested in fighting it

High Court Strikes Campaign Finance Reform Law

Arizona law violates First Amendment, says ruling

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More influence for special interests is the "last thing" we need

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • campaign finance • US Supreme Court

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[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Justices Nix 'Millionaire's Amendment' for Campaigns

Opponents of wealthy candidates will no longer see donor ceilings raised

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

Colbert Making Supreme Court Look Stupid

Dahlia Lithwick says court is ill-equipped to deal with comedy

Obama Losing Super PAC War

...because he's not terribly interested in fighting it

High Court Strikes Campaign Finance Reform Law

Arizona law violates First Amendment, says ruling

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Newser By Users

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