The American Spectator

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Getting Over the First Amendment

By David Holman on 4.9.07 @ 10:47AM

Quin, thank you for reminding us about pressing issues.

But campaign finance reform was not a mere policy choice, and labeling it as such tips your hand a little. At the very least, President Bush signing a bill despite considering it unconstitutional ought to elevate the issue above "policy choice." Campaign finance reform raises serious free speech issues.

Just ask the groups that are now prohibited from airing issue ads within the BCRA window near elections. BCRA hinders basic political participation.

What all this means about Fred Thompson is a separate question. But if those who believe in strongly protecting the First Amendment want to use campaign finance as another way to evaluate a candidate, I cannot fault them.

topics:
Constitution