Opinion

Democracy hijacked by rich and powerful

Posted March 13, 2013 4:40 am

Our elections are dominated by super PACs thanks to the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision that allows unlimited outside spending in elections. Last month, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a new case — McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission. McCutcheon attempts to undermine the combined contributions limit for individuals which will open a new floodgate of cash into our electoral system. Big donors are already gearing up for the 2014 races.

The permanent solution is to overturn Citizens United with a constitutional amendment. The Illinois Legislature can do its part by passing a resolution calling on our congressional delegation to send such an amendment to the states. Twelve municipalities across Illinois — from Chicago to Carbondale to Kane County — have already formally called on the legislature to do this. And if the resolution passes, Illinois would be the 12th state to oppose the Citizens United decision.

We don’t want to live in a country where our democracy is increasingly hijacked by the wealthy and powerful. It’s time for the Illinois Senate and General Assembly to take action.

Bill Scown

Geneva

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