JOURNAL ARTICLE

We Don't Need to End Citizens United to Rein in Super PACs.

  • Published In: Time.com, 2026. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Lessig, Lawrence 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the legal origins and corrupting influence of super PACs (political action committees) in American politics, arguing that a lower federal court decision, SpeechNow v. FEC, rather than the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC ruling, created super PACs. The Supreme Court in Citizens United held that independent expenditures by corporations do not pose quid pro quo corruption risks, but the D.C. Circuit Court erroneously extended this logic to contributions to super PACs, ignoring the potential for coordinated corruption between donors and candidates. The article highlights the 2015 indictment of Senator Robert Menendez as evidence that contributions to super PACs can involve quid pro quo corruption, challenging the legal assumptions underpinning super PACs. It also discusses a 2024 Maine voter initiative banning super PACs, currently under legal challenge, which may prompt the Supreme Court to reconsider whether contributions to super PACs can be limited to prevent corruption without overturning Citizens United.

Additional Information

  • Source:Time.com. 2026/04, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Law
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:2476-2679
  • Accession Number:193318609
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