For Immediate Release, January 22, 2010
Contact: Jeanine Plant-Chirlin
New York – Today, the Brennan Center for Justice appealed a mixed decision by a Federal District Court that ultimately invalidated a narrow portion of Arizona’s public financing system for legislative candidates. The Center acted as counsel for the Clean Elections Institute, a good government group.
“In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United, a decision that will usher a tidal wave of corporate money in state elections, establishing and defending the public financing of political campaigns is the best way to ensure that candidates remain accountable to their constituents, not to special interests.” Angela Migally, a Brennan Center attorney, said.
Federal Judge Roslyn Silver found no evidence that Arizona’s public financing system violated the First Amendment and upheld the majority of the challenged provision. Despite the lack of evidence, she did hold a narrow provision of the law unconstitutional.
For more information on the case and the ruling or to speak with Angela Migally, please contact Jeanine Plant-Chirlin at 212–998–6289 or contact at Jeanine.plant-chirlin@nyu.edu.