Helena Launches Initiative to Curb Corporate Political Spending
Helena, MT — The debate over corporate influence in Montana’s political landscape continues as former state Political Practices Commissioner Jeff Mangan introduces the Transparent Election Initiative. This groundbreaking initiative aims to redefine corporate powers regarding political spending, challenging the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, which permitted unlimited corporate expenditure in elections.
Mangan, who held a virtual conference on Wednesday, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in elections. “I want to move back to a time where elections were elections… you had the ability to ask them questions,” he stated. With support from notable figures like former U.S. Senator Jon Tester and ex-Governor Marc Racicot, Mangan revealed plans to place a ballot measure before voters in 2026 that seeks to limit corporate political spending.
The Citizens United ruling, which categorized corporate spending as protected political speech, has led to significant financial influence in elections, resulting in last year’s Senate race between Tester and Republican Tim Sheehy, which saw over $250 million in campaign spending. Tester voiced concerns, asserting that excessive spending undermines democracy.
While Mangan acknowledges the likelihood of legal challenges, he insists this approach differs fundamentally from the restrictions deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. “Using the state’s authority to limit corporations’ powers is a new legal question,” he noted.
To finance the initiative, Mangan plans to prioritize transparency, asserting that all fundraising efforts will be disclosed to the public. He aims to avoid the pitfalls of clandestine campaign finance while fostering a return to grassroots political engagement.
The Transparent Election Initiative represents Montana’s enduring quest to wrestle control of its electoral processes from corporate giants, highlighting the state’s ongoing struggle for a more equitable democratic system.
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