New Poll Results on Corporate and Union Independent Expenditures

It's worth noting two Washington Post-ABC News poll questions concerning the Citizens United decision on corporate-funded independent expenditures. Most notable is the fact that the reaction was roughly the same across the political spectrum. The ruling was opposed by 85% of Democrats polled, 76% of Republicans, and 81% of independents. These days, it's rare to have such a response on any important issue.

Of course, most people don't truly understand the Citizens United decision. But they do have strong feelings about corporate, union, and special interest involvement in politics. There's little doubt that these feelings would apply to all levels of government, including local government, where there are many fewer limits on independent expenditures and corporate involvement in politics, from contract restrictions to lobbying disclosure.

Here are the questions:

Changing topics, do you support or oppose the recent ruling by the Supreme Court that says corporations and unions can spend as much money as they want to help political candidates win elections? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?

 -------- Support --------      --------- Oppose -------- 
 NET Strongly Somewhat     NET Somewhat Strongly No opinion
18          6               11             80              15              65              2

Would you support or oppose an effort by Congress to reinstate limits on corporate and union spending on election campaigns? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?

 -------- Support --------      --------- Oppose -------- 
 NET Strongly Somewhat     NET Somewhat Strongly No opinion
72         52               20             24             9             14             4

Robert Wechsler
Director of Research-Retired, City Ethics

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