Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold On the Supreme Court Ruling Regarding Campaign Spending in Vermont June 26, 2006 I am pleased that today’s Supreme Court decision in the Vermont case did not disturb the legal framework under which the Court has upheld campaign finance laws in recent years, including the McCain-Feingold bill in 2003. It was particularly heartening that the Court’s two newest members joined Justice Breyer in the narrow controlling opinion, rather than siding with those members of the Court who would prohibit most campaign finance reforms. For all its imperfections, Buckley v. Valeo allows reformers to pass laws to reduce the influence of big money in the political process. While today’s decision shows that there are limits to what can be done in the name of reform, it does not fundamentally change the legal landscape. That is something for which those who want to see further reforms should be grateful.

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