January 29, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned a ban on political campaign spending by corporations may be a mixed blessing for incumbents and challenge political action committees (PACs), says University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Associate Professor of Political Science Holly Brasher, Ph.D.

On Jan. 21, the Court, in a 5-4 decision, struck down a portion of the 2002 McCain-Feingold campaign-finance law that prohibits corporations and unions from buying political campaign ads.

"This new ruling allows corporations to engage directly in political races," says Brasher, "and this will give corporations more clout in politics. They can threaten incumbents who don't support their interests and openly campaign against them.

"But the ruling also will give many incumbent candidates an advantage over challengers because often they are the ones who have helped pass bills that benefit unions and corporations," she says.

The decision also may affect special interest PACs that raise money for candidates, Brasher says. The amount of money that PACS can receive from individuals and organizations is limited - and that may make PACS less important to campaigns, she says.

"Under the new Supreme Court ruling, it will be easier for corporations to have their own election efforts rather than support candidates through PACs," says Brasher.

Brasher teaches in the UAB Department of Government. Her research focuses on the presidency, interest groups and public opinion about the parties and the Electoral College. She is co-author of the book Organized Interests and American Government.

About the UAB Department of Government

The UAB Department of Government offers undergraduate degrees in political science and international studies as well as a Master's in Public Administration. Students also can earn a minor in urban affairs.