A coalition of Connecticut citizen's groups rallied outside the federal courthouse in Hartford Tuesday. They're concerned about a case before the Supreme Court that could expand the amount of money individuals can contribute to political campaigns.
Since the 1970s, there has been a cap on how much individuals can give to candidates and national party committees in a two-year campaign cycle. McCutcheon v. the Federal Election Commission argued that the spending cap is a violation of the first amendment.
Cheri Quickmire, executive director of Connecticut Common Cause, said that no matter how you look at this case, what it amounts to is more big money and influence in politics. "That really does signal a big change in elections, that a very small minority of uber donors would be able to control those elections."
If the Supreme Court finds in favor of the plaintiff, the amount individuals would be able to contribute to a campaign would balloon from $123,200 to $3.6 million. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Tuesday. No word on when they may issue an opinion in the case.
