St PAUL — “The corporate money has been flowing since the U.S. Supreme Court threw outparts of a 63-year-old law that prohibited companies and unions fromdonating to campaigns for or against candidates. The decision, whichcame earlier this year, changed rules in about half the states. But thechange is so new that experts don’t have a good handle on the likelyimpact nationally.
“This is the leading edge,” said Ed Bender, who heads the National Institute on Money in State Politics in Montana…. The Supreme Court ruling left in place state prohibitions against companies giving directly to the candidates. The money can go to independent groups supporting the candidates. But individuals can donate directly to the candidates’ campaigns.” Martiga Lohn, Associated Press.
2009