Mornings

Campaign Limits + Clam Festival

Photo: Newsradio WGAN, WGAN

Campaign Limits + Clam Festival

Matt Gagnon discussed a recent court ruling in Maine that declared a referendum on campaign finance limits unconstitutional. The referendum, passed by 75% of voters, limited donations to political action committees (PACs) but not those operated by political parties or referendum campaigns. The Institute for Free Speech, representing two PACs, argued the $5,000 contribution limit violated the First Amendment, citing the Citizens United case. Gagnon emphasized that money is speech, essential for political access and campaigning. He criticized the referendum as unconstitutional and predicted the ruling, urging constitutional change if needed. The conversation briefly shifted to a humorous discussion about a local clam shucking event.

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