Contribution Limits
While all voters are equal in the voting booth, all voters are not equal in their ability to influence elections and policy. A $5 contribution from a low-income constituent may represent a much greater commitment than a $10,000 contribution from a millionaire, but in our system, the latter usually has more power to influence the outcome of the election and to secure access to the candidates once elected to office.That's where contribution limits come in-limiting the influence of big donors over elected officials and motivating candidates to cultivate a wide base of public support. Effective contribution limits are set low enough to encourage a broad-based fundraising strategy but high enough to allow candidates to run effective campaigns. They must also be comprehensive, regulating the flow of money between individuals, candidates, political parties and their affiliates, and political action committees.
The Brennan Center counsels states on creating and strengthening contribution limits and conducts research measuring the breadth and effectiveness of state limits.
This case involves constitutional challenges to several provisions of Vermont’s full public funding law, most notably its mandatory spending limits.
A month after the Supreme Court’s decision in McConnell v. FEC, the Sixth Circuit seemed to ignore McConnell in striking down many provisions of Kentucky campaign finance law.
McConnell v. FEC (Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act)
The Center, in its defense of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, focused primarily on defending the portion of the law that regulates campaign advertising by interest groups.
Minus FEC Quorum, Lobbyists Still Bundled Up
Former lobbyist Jack Abramoff will be sentenced this September, according to papers filed by prosecutors and defense attorneys this week in federal court....
Protecting the Rights of Millionaires
The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday in a campaign finance case, Davis v. FEC. This Court has had a rather ominous track record on campaign finance reform....
More information emerged yesterday about the scope and scale of the “small donor revolution.” The Campaign Finance Institute released data on individual donations to presidential candidates....
Illustrations by Risko
Surge in Political Spending By Outside Groups Draws Scrutiny of Legal Limits
New Brennan Center Playbook Explains Impact of Supreme Court Campaign Finance Decision on States and Judicial Elections
New York Campaign Finance Laws Fall Short
Brennan Center releases new research that details the problems plaguing New York State’s campaign finance system.
Testimony to the New York City Council on Proposed “Pay-to-Play” Regulations
Ciara Torres-Spelliscy assessed the constitutionality of the city’s proposal to limit campaign contributions from lobbyists and city contractors.
Money and Politics: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Remarks from the Governor of Arizona at the Brennan Center’s first Living Constitution Lecture
Missouri Bill Goes a Long Way—in the Wrong Direction
A bill to repeal contribution limits in Missouri would be a step backwards for campaign finance reform.
Stop the Abuse of Campaign Contributions
Here in New York, we are used to seeing politicians spend campaign contributions on everything from pool covers to trips to Europe. It’s as familiar a part of the state landscape as the change in seasons.