Republicans in Lansing worked at a breakneck speed today (Tues.) to pass legislation expanding campaign donation limits to certain types of big donors.
The bills would allow unions and corporations to donate unlimited amounts of money to certain committees. That’s not really new. The U-S Supreme Court outlawed those limits in 20-10. What is new is that politicians would be able to solicit money for those committees.
The bills would prohibit candidates from coordinating with Super PACs or sharing staff.
Super PACs can’t give money to candidates or political parties. But they can spend all they want independent of the campaigns.
Critics say the bills would mean more untraceable money in campaign spending.
Lawmakers backing the legislation say they have to move quickly because the Secretary of State wants clarification on how much money can be given to certain types of Super PACs
Critics of the legislation say it would allow special interests to have too much influence on the political system.
Opponents say allowing candidates to solicit an unlimited amount of money on behalf of a Super PAC goes beyond any Supreme Court decision. They say it would mean more untraceable money in politics.