Nearly two-thirds of Americans say reducing influence of political spending is a top priority: poll

Many Americans want the president and Congress to prioritize reducing the impact of political spending on the eve of the most expensive election cycle in U.S. history.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans say mitigating the impact of political spending should be their top priority after strengthening the economy and defending against terrorism, according to one report. new report By Pew Research Center, a social science research think tank.

A survey of 5,140 Americans conducted between January 16 and January 21, 2024 found that reducing the role of money in politics would reduce health care costs, deal with immigration, protect the environment, and improve education. was prioritized over other policy priorities such as

Americans who care about reducing the influence of political spending cut spending across party lines.

“While there are significant partisan differences on most policy goals, 65% of Democrats and 60% of Republicans rate this as a top priority,” Pew Research writes.

Political spending has skyrocketed since the controversial 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (FEC) opened the door to unlimited independent spending in federal elections.

During the 2008 election cycle, the last presidential election before the Citizens United ruling, candidates, political parties, and independent outside groups $7.2 billion Adjusted for inflation for federal elections, according to the Money in Politics Research Group Open Secrets.

By the 2020 election cycle, total political spending exceeded $16.4 billion.

With a possible rematch between President Biden and former President Trump on the horizon, the United States could enter another election cycle with record spending.

But the influx of money into politics and its perceived influence over elected officials has left many Americans disillusioned with the policy-making process.

another Pew Research Survey A July 2023 survey of 8,480 U.S. adults found that 63% believe most or all elected officials run to “make a lot of money.” Only 22% say most or all of their elected officials are ranked to address issues they care about, and only 22% say they believe these officials are running to serve the people. Only 15% of people answered.

The survey also found that 72 percent of American adults support limiting the amount of money that individuals and organizations can spend on elections.

But right now, Citizens United has violated First Amendment rights to free speech, especially by ruling that limits independent political spending in federal elections, spending that is not coordinated with candidates. As such, there is currently little political will to place limits on political spending. .

Citizens United has emphasized the need for thorough disclosure of such spending, but even efforts to stem the flow of “dark money” (political spending intended to influence voters without disclosing the source of the funds) have not been seen in Congress. I’m stuck with this.