INDems Statement on Seventh Circuit Ruling Bringing Citizens United to State Elections

INDIANAPOLIS — On Thursday, Aug. 8, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a lower ruling by the Indiana Supreme Court, and allowed unlimited donations to independent-expenditure political action committees, or Super PACs, focused on state and local-level elections in Indiana. 

The case was originally brought by anti-choice lawyer Jim Bopp over the fact that a corporation was not allowed under state law to give a $10,000 sum to the campaign arm of Indiana Right to Life, a PAC.

Now this ruling brings the Citizens’ United doctrine to state level elections, allowing mega donors like large corporations to donate unlimited sums in support of a candidate or issue.

“No one should be able to buy elections in our country, but that’s exactly what Jim Bopp, Todd Rokita, Diego Morales, and Indiana Republicans believe should be allowed. By bringing the Citizens United doctrine to Indiana, they are opening the floodgates for millions of dollars by special interest groups and large corporations to influence our elections for governor down to your local school board,” said Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl.

“Indiana is already the worst state in the country for voter turnout and civic participation. That’s why it’s desperately time for new leadership in our state — Jennifer McCormick and Destiny Wells will take on special interests and work to expand the rights of Hoosier voters by protecting early voting access and extending polling hours past 6 PM. Hoosiers deserve better and it starts by voting Democratic on Election Day this November.”