Political Quotes

Paul Tonko: Well, I can't help but think too of the Citizens United case, where special interests now are able to open the corporate…

On the recordFebruary 8, 2011
Well, I can't help but think too of the Citizens United case, where special interests now are able to open the corporate checkbook and just write sizable checks. The sky is the limit, according to the Supreme Court decision. And that can bring about special interest flavor into campaigns that are waged and into candidates that are produced into the House. And when we look at special interests like that, we then begin to see what the real agenda is, and it's counterproductive. It is kicking back progress that has been achieved for 40 years, celebrations of life that were allowed to breathe freely because of this legislation. And the introduction of innovation and technology. So these deep-rooted power plays are perhaps going to be more prevalent as we go forward in time, and I think that it's setting a dangerous precedent. I think that what we have here is an opportunity to say ``yes'' to sound public health standards, ``yes'' to job creation, ``yes'' to innovation.
Said by
Paul Tonko
Democratic · New York
Source
govinfo.gov
Feb 8, 2011

Editor's note · Context

The speaker addresses the impact of the Citizens United case on special interests in politics and public health.

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