Campaign Finance

On Topic

Attempts to limit the influence of money on American political campaigns date back to the 1860s. Since the Supreme Court overturned much of the legislation regulating campaign contributions, Super PACS have proliferated, and concern over the influence corporations have on elections is growing. Brookings experts examine campaign finance legislation and the impact it can have on political outcomes.

Reuters/Chris Keane - A supporter uses a camera to capture a video of U.S. Republican presidential candidate Romney in Charlotte, North Carolina

Past Event

New Ways of Evaluating Campaign Ads

July 23, 2012

On July 23, the Governance Studies program at Brookings hosted a discussion on the efficacy of the new wave of campaign advertising in the 2012 elections. Research from Vanderbilt University and YouGov's Ad Rating Project examines voter responses to current presidential campaign ads.

Recent Activity

Refine by: U.S. Politics | Elections | Politics and Elections | Political Campaigns

In the News

What fundraising and appearances with celebrities can do is make up for the voter enthusiasm gap that is starting to rear its head...Celebrity endorsements don't change minds; they change hearts and motivate people to turn out who might not have turned out to vote.
October 11, 2012, John Hudak, UPI
In the News

Democrats have been slow to embrace super PACs because many of them are ideologically opposed to them... [Democrats have started to embrace them] because they don't want to be at a competitive disadvantage to Republicans.
October 9, 2012, Darrell M. West, Washington Times
Past Event

Political Voice and American Democracy: Unequal and Undemocratic

September 12, 2012
In the News

In the aftermath of Citizens United, little of the regulatory structure erected after Watergate remains. As a result, an unending quest for campaign dollars has become a permanent feature of our political culture.
June 13, 2012, Anthony Corrado, New York Times
Podcast

@Brookings Podcast: The Influence of Super PACs on the 2012 Elections

March 9, 2012, Anthony Corrado
Past Event

Campaign Finance in the 2012 Elections: The Rise of Super PACs

March 1, 2012
Blog Post

Obama and Super PACs in the 2012 Election

February 7, 2012, Thomas E. Mann | comments
Blog Post

Killing Public Disclosure in Campaign Finance

July 27, 2010, Thomas E. Mann | comments
Past Event

Is Government Broken? Strengthening Democracy through Election and Governance Reforms

June 1, 2010
Podcast

@ Brookings Podcast: Corporate Spending in Elections

May 7, 2010, Thomas E. Mann