McConnell faults Kagan on free speech stance
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS – Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — The Senate’s top Republican is criticizing Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan for backing limits on the ability of corporations and labor unions to influence elections.
Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says Kagan’s argument in a Supreme Court case testing those restrictions was “troubling to those who cherish free speech.”
In Citizens United v. FEC, the court upheld the First Amendment rights of corporations and labor unions to spend money on campaign ads. Kagan, the solicitor general, argued unsuccessfully that the government could limit such activities.
Last week, she told a senator the court wasn’t deferential enough to Congress in that case.
McConnell says he needs to be convinced Kagan is committed to free speech rights.
Filed Under: Federal Government • Mitch McConnell
About the Author: John Stamper is the accountability editor for the Lexington Herald-Leader. A native of Monticello, Ky., he has been with the Herald-Leader in a variety of roles since graduating from Western Kentucky University in 2000. Reach him at jstamper@herald-leader.com
Individuals can speak and have the freedom of speech. The individuals who work for or own a corporation have the right to speak, but a corporation is not a person and does not have that right. Will Mitch soon want corporations to have the right to vote?