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February 05, 2010

Ex-GOP senator slams “rash” campaign-finance ruling

By CREW Staff

Campaign Finance Reform, Congress, Corporate, Supreme Court

In today's Washington Post, former Sen. Warren Rudman (R-NH) explains why he's so disappointing at having heard several Republican leaders cheer the Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United case:

When I arrived in the U.S. Senate 30 years ago, I was a proud member of a Republican Party known for championing moderation in Congress, restraint in the courts and good-government reform.

In fact, the Republican tradition of campaign finance reform in which I stand dates to the trust-buster, Theodore Roosevelt.

Rudman calls the court's ruling "a rash and immoderate ruling" that "is beyond my comprehension." And the ex-senator says he's perplexed as to why such a decision would "win praise from leaders of my party."

Rudman's eloquent words remind us that campaign finance should not be a partisan issue. In the long run, the Citizens United is likely to change the electoral and political process in America in ways that will anger and dismay both rank-and-file Democrats and Republicans.