Five myths about campaign finance
Author: Matthew Leatherman
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Matthew Leatherman, a financial analyst, was a Democratic candidate for North Carolina state treasurer in 2020.
Generations of policymakers have tried to find the right approach to campaign finance. The 2002 McCain-Feingold law curbed “soft money” donations to political parties but left open the door to spending by outside groups. Among other things, disagreement over Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission prompted Justice Samuel Alito to mouth the words “not true” at President Barack Obama’s characterization of that case during the 2010 State of the Union address. Americans believe that money has too much influence in politics but don’t agree on the best way to deal with it. Myths about campaign finance abound.