Costco Connection - June 2012

■INFORMEDdebate

YES
Do the benefits of
“super PACs” out-

from members: Sharon Patton Grand Prairie, TX

[It] allows candidates who would not be able to run without super PACs to run.

weigh the criticisms?

A SUPREME COURT decision in 2010 has led to a new way to finance political campaigns: the super PAC (political action committee).

Although candidates are not allowed to be directly involved with super PACs, these committees are allowed to raise unlimited sums of money from groups or individuals and then spend unlimited sums to advocate openly for or against candidates.

Supporters say that super PACs enhance the democratic process by allowing people who would otherwise not be able to run for office to become candidates. Super PACs also educate voters by providing them with information from a variety of voices, they insist.

Critics consider super PACs a blot on the U.S. democratic system: a
means for very wealthy individuals or well-funded special interests to dis-
tort the political process, curry favor with candidates and mislead voters.

What do you think?

David A. Hermens West Linn, OR

I strongly believe
in the First
Amendment. I think
individuals, groups
or corporations can
and should participate in our
democracy.

Lynn F. Farris Matthews, NC

There should be free-
dom for everyone to
support the candidate
of their choice with
whatever funds are
available to them.

NO
Find out more about this topic on the Web:

• www.localvictory.com (Search: The Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own Political Action Committee)

• www.fas.org (Search: “Super PACs” in Federal Elections: Overview and Issues for Congress)

• www.wikipedia.org (Search: Super PACs)

from members: Jon Tester, U.S. Senator (D) Big Sandy, MT

I support overturning
the Supreme Court
decision that allows
unlimited corporate
spending on our
political campaigns with no
transparency or accountability.