The governor
put together a nationwide fundraising effort and was richly rewarded.
Two-thirds of the $31 million Walker raised to fight the recall came from
out-of-state donors, mostly rich guys who hate unions. The gush of cash going
to Walker overwhelmed Barrett’s boots-on-the-ground effort and provided more
proof, if any more were needed, that the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United
ruling -- eliminating limits on campaign donations -- has dramatically altered
the balance of power in American politics.
The
Citizens United decision does not apply to big corporations alone; it also
frees unions to give as much as they want. But the fact is unions do not have
ready access to money on the scale of the billionaire boys club. When just one
man, casino king Sheldon Adelson, can write a couple of
checks and fund Newt Gingrich’s entire presidential
campaign, you know the craps table of electioneering has been tilted in favor
of candidates who look after the concerns of the mega-rich. L.A. Times, June 6, 2012
In fact, three wealthy individuals from out of state contributed more than all of the money raised by Walker's opponent Barrett. It is at the state and local level where the full force of Citizens United will be felt.
Michael Quinn, Esq.
