The Impact of the Citizens United Decision on Federal Elections

Free Speech and Election Law Practice Group

On January 21, the Supreme Court issued a major decision on campaign finance law in Citizens United v. FEC, a case involving a 2008 documentary critical of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton produced by a nonprofit advocacy organization.  A panel of experts will discuss the case and the surrounding issues. [Register now!]

This event is co-sponsored by The Heritage Foundation's Center for Legal Judicial Studies 

On January 21, the Supreme Court issued a major decision on campaign finance law in Citizens United v. FEC, a case involving a 2008 documentary critical of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton produced by a nonprofit advocacy organization.  In a 5-4 decision, the majority led by Justice Kennedy struck a decisive blow against the McCain-Feingold law when it overturned the federal ban on independent political expenditures by corporations (and by implication, a similar ban on labor unions).  Supporters of the decision such as the Wall Street Journal have hailed it as a “landmark” for “free political speech.”  Critics such as the Washington Post have called the decision “dangerous” because it will “undermine the integrity” of our democracy.  What will be the short term effects of this decision on the election process in 2010 and what will be the long term effects on the integrity and vibrancy of our democracy?  Is this a decision that upholds the First Amendment or was it an unnecessary assertion of judicial activism?  A panel of experts in the campaign finance arena, including practicing lawyers, former counsels for the DNC and RNC, and former commissioners on the Federal Election Commission will discuss these issues.

Panelists include:

• Mr. Jan W. Baran, Partner, Wiley Rein and former General Counsel, Republican National Committee
• Mr. Joseph M. Birkenstock, Member, Caplin & Drysdale and former Chief Counsel, Democratic National Committee
• Mr. Marc E. Elias, Partner and Chair of Political Law Practice Group, Perkins Coie
• Mr. Michael E. Toner, Partner and Chair of Election Law and Government Ethics Practice Group, Bryan Cave and former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission
• Moderator: Mr. Hans A. von Spakovsky, Legal Scholar, Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, The Heritage Foundation and former Commissioner, Federal Election Commission

There is no cost to attend this event. Refreshments Provided.

Please call 202-822-8138 with any questions.