Richmond, VA - Tim Kaine released the following statement today after the Supreme Court reaffirmed its Citizens United ruling in its decision on American Tradition Partnership, Inc. v. Bullock:
"The Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United has triggered a fundamental shift away from the person-to-person contact that has characterized American politics for more than two centuries. This misguided decision has empowered a small band of extremely wealthy individuals to disproportionately influence the political process by flooding the airwaves with millions of dollars in false attack ads. Montana courageously stood up to this unacceptable system, invoking its own campaign finance law to combat Citizens United, and I am extremely disappointed that the Supreme Court rejected Montana’s right to craft their own model of campaign financing.
"In my first debate with George Allen I asked him to work with me to keep outside groups and their secret money away from the Virginia Senate race. He refused. I offered to work with him to ensure that, at the very least, these groups disclose their donors. Again, he refused. If chosen to serve in the U.S. Senate, I will work from day one to bring secret money into the open and protect the grassroots participation that has been a staple of our electoral process. George Allen, on the other hand, proudly touts his endorsement from Citizens United and is reaping the benefits of more than $3 million in outside spending on his behalf, filling Virginia airwaves with falsehoods and distortions.
"This campaign is going to be about two very different visions for our economic future, but it will also be about how our leaders conduct themselves. For too long, special interests' vice-grip on Washington has contributed to our country's inability to get things done. As Senator, I will be a voice and a vote for reforms that limit special interests' influence over our politics and our policies."
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