LWVFC Forum Oct. 27: The Corrupting Influence of Big Money in Elections

(Falls Church, VA) The League of Women Voters of Falls Church will host a forum Sunday, October 27 at 3 p.m. at the Community Center examining the potential for corruption in elections resulting from the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision recognizing corporations as people for the purpose of exercising rights under the Constitution and money as a protected form of speech.  The moderated program will review what can and is being done to reverse the 2010 Supreme Court decision and is expected to generate discussion about the need for campaign finance reform.

Speaking at the program will be former state Senator Mary Margaret Whipple; Sean Barnett with Northern Virginia Move to Amend, a national grassroots coalition committed to a democracy accountable to the people, not corporate interests; and, Dick McCall, a former legislative aide and foreign affairs expert who is a Falls Church City resident.  League of Women Voters of Falls Church member and City resident Robert Crowe will moderate the program.

The League is deeply committed to reforming the nation’s campaign finance system as well as opposing the Citizens United v. Federal Election Committee decision and similar cases (i.e. McCutcheon v FEC).  The League’s commentary on the Citizens United decision back in 2010 included the following statement:

“The Supreme Court has made a tragic mistake.  Their decision announced today in Citizens United v. FEC is constitutionally irresponsible and will surely bring about an anti-democratic revolution in how we finance elections in their country.  Today, basic pillars of American democracy have been undermined – that elections should not be corrupted by vast corporate wealth and that the voters should be at the center of our democratic system.”  (LWVUS 1/21/10)

As predicted, Citizens United v. FEC has dramatically changed the landscape of modern political campaigns in America.  Total independent expenditures by corporations, other outside groups, and wealthy individuals has grown to more than $1 billion in the form of Super-PAC contributions.

“The forum is very timely in light of the current discussion in Virginia’s gubernatorial and legislative races,” according to Linda Garvelink, LWVFC Vice President - Programs.  This issue was highlighted recently in a Washington Post article titled “Battleground Virginia: The Ad Wars” as well as multiple national news stories detailing the impact of Super PACs and the flood of money from outside interests now infused in local elections.

The League of Women Voters US has a long history of advocating for campaign finance reform.  Its formal statement of position is:

“The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that the methods of financing political campaigns should ensure the public’s right to know, combat corruption and undue influence, enable candidates to compete more equitably for public office and allow maximum citizen participation in the political process.

“This position is applicable to all federal campaigns for public office — presidential and congressional, primaries as well as general elections. It also may be applied to state and local campaigns.” (National Board, January 1974, revised March 1982)

For more information on the Oct. 27 program go to www.lwvfallschurch.org.  The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy thorough education and advocacy. Membership is open to men and women of all ages.