However, Concerns over Buying Influence Apply to All Elected Officials

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision today in Williams-Yulee v. The Florida Bar which upheld Florida’s ban on judicial candidates directly soliciting campaign funds, People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker released the following statement:

“The Supreme Court came to the right decision today when it took a step to protect the integrity of our judicial process. Chief Justice Roberts was correct to note that the public can lose confidence in a judge if 'he comes to office by asking for favors.' The same concerns apply to all of our elected officials.

“Just as Americans want judges to be impartial rather than beholden to wealthy donors, we also want our elected officials to be working for the people rather than for their billionaire and corporate backers. In all branches of government, our democracy doesn’t work when it’s auctioned off to the highest bidder.

“The Supreme Court needs to understand what everyday Americans already do: that buying influence undermines our democracy no matter what type of election it is.”

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