New Poll Results on Corporate and Union Independent Expenditures

It's worth noting two <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/17/AR20100…; target="”_blank”">Washington
Post-ABC News poll</a> questions concerning the Citizens United decision
on corporate-funded independent expenditures. Most notable is the fact
that the reaction was roughly the same across the political spectrum.
The ruling was opposed by 85% of Democrats polled, 76% of Republicans,
and 81% of independents. These days, it's rare to have such a response
on any important issue.<br>
<br>

Of course, most people don't truly understand the Citizens United
decision. But they do have strong feelings about corporate, union, and special
interest involvement in politics. There's little doubt that these
feelings would apply to all levels of government, including local
government, where there are many fewer limits on independent
expenditures and corporate involvement in politics, from contract
restrictions to lobbying disclosure.<br>
<br>
Here are the questions:<br>
<br>
Changing topics, do you support or oppose the recent ruling by
the Supreme Court that says corporations and unions can spend as much
money as they want to help political candidates win elections? Do you
feel that way strongly or somewhat?
<pre> -------- Support -------- --------- Oppose -------- <br> NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly No opinion<br>18 6 11 80 15 65 2<br><br></pre>
<p>Would you support or oppose an effort by Congress to
reinstate limits on corporate and union spending on election campaigns?
Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?</p>
<pre> -------- Support -------- --------- Oppose -------- <br> NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly No opinion<br>72 52 20 24 9 14 4<br><br></pre>
<br>
<br>
Robert Wechsler<br>
Director of Research-Retired, City Ethics<br>
<br>
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