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Presidential Issues: Free Speech & Religious Liberty

Free Speech & Religious Liberty

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Clinton Can’t Force Big Money Out of Politics

September 10, 2015

By Paula Dwyer

The money in politics always sounds excessive. The 2012 presidential campaign cost $2.6 billion, up from $2.4 billion in 2008, which doubled 2004's $1.2 billion. But consider this: The cost per vote in 2012 was a mere $20.60, if you divide it by the 126 million ballots cast. McDonald's alone spent $1.9 billion promoting its hamburgers in the U.S. during the two years that overlapped with the election cycle.

This provides some context for assessing Hillary Clinton's recent proposals to rein in the influence of Big Money in politics. Her ideas are unconvincing -- and not just because she decries the money chase while outraising most other candidates.

No, it's because her reforms rest largely on revoking the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, the aim being to close off outside money from wealthy people with special interests. She would also encourage small-dollar donations to presidential and congressional elections by matching their money with federal dollars.

Read the full article at Bloomberg View: Clinton Can't Force Big Money Out of Politics