Thursday, September 23, 2010

The GOP Wants Us Rubes In the Dark

The DISCLOSE Act (Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections) died again today. The GOP held strong and kept it from reaching cloture. Even though it seems like a good and open proposal the GOP is having none of it. It light of the Citizens United ruling, the Dems thought it made sense to require corporations and other interest groups that pay for campaign ads to identify themselves. You know, so we know whose money is behind who and all. I sure think it is a good idea.
Back in July, every Senate Republican blocked the chamber from even debating the bill. Today, every Senate Republican did  exactly the same thing.
The Senate on Thursday once again blocked consideration of a controversial campaign finance measure that would require greater disclosure of corporate campaign spending.
A cloture motion to begin debate on the DISCLOSE Act fell short on a 59-39 vote. The outcome likely puts the legislation on the back burner until after the midterm elections, but it is unclear whether Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will try to take the issue up again during a lame-duck session.
While the money has all been spent this election cycle it would have been nice to see the game made clearer in 2012. Oh well, that's what happens when you have a completely dysfunctional legislative system. IF "only" a 59-member majority supports something it necessarily dies.

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