Justices strike down taxpayer-supported campaign spending law

CNN Political Ticker ^ | 06/27/2011 | Bill Mears

[Hawk720]

The Supreme Court has tossed out an Arizona law that provides extra taxpayer-funded support for office seekers who have been outspent by privately funded opponents or by independent political groups.

A conservative 5-4 majority of justices on Monday said the law violated free speech, concluding the state was impermissibly trying to "level the playing field" through a public finance system.

Arizona lawmakers had argued there was a compelling state interest in equalizing resources among competing candidates and interest groups.

The cases are McComish v. Bennett (10-239) and Arizona Free Enterprise Club's Freedom Club PAC v. Bennett (10-238).

[Hugin]

I don't suppose there was any provision to fund private citizens who are being outspent by incumbents?

Didn't think so. Next!

[EQAndyBuzz]

Since the networks are so hot on promoting candidates, let them pay for all the equal time. It would take campaigning and spending millions of dollars off the table.