Dems File Federal Suit to Force Business Groups To Disclose Campaign Cash

[KoKo]

TPMDC
Dems Files Suit to Force Business Groups To Disclose Campaign Cash
Susan Crabtree | April 21, 2011, 3:02PM

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)


Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is taking matters into his own hands when it comes to rolling back elements of the Supreme Court's landmark Citizen United campaign finance case and requiring disclosure of campaign donations.

Van Hollen and a group of reform advocates filed suit Thursday in federal court, as well as a petition with the Federal Election Commission, that aims to force business associations and nonprofit groups to disclose secret contributions that fueled millions of dollars in attack ads against Democrats in the 2010 midterm campaign.

The legal steps come in the wake of news that the Obama administration is circulating a draft executive order requiring federal contractors to disclose contributions made to nonprofit groups and trade associations. Although uncoordinated, the leak of the executive order and the lawsuit pack a one-two punch and demonstrate just how determined Democrats are in overturning some elements of Citizens United before the 2012 election cycle shifts into high gear.

The proposed executive order would affect thousands of contractors -- many in the mammoth defense contracting world. Republicans and members of the business community immediately cried foul, arguing that the order would restrict free speech and could result in businesses being unfairly penalized for their political leanings and donations.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/04/dems-files-suit-to-force-business-groups-to-disclose-campaign-cash.php

[Snotcicles]

1. Restrict free speech? wrong! this will just make them own it. nt