“Super PACs”

Since the Citizens United ruling, political interests and candidate related organizations have developed “Super PACs” (Political Action Committees). A New York Times editorial has noted that the PACs can “collect unlimited amounts and they plan to.” Romney’s “Make Us Great Again” plans to collect $55 million. President Obama’s PAC “Priorities USA” hopes to raise more than $100 million. The editorial states that since Citizens United “the campaign finance system has become polluted with ideological groups collecting unlimited donations from corporations, unions and wealthy individuals.” None of us are so naive as to believe these funds, now used for attack ads or supporting party candidates, will not be a major factor in elections and that large contributors will not be accorded attention materially beyond that given to ordinary citizens or small businesses who will be directly affected by legislation or executive action.