McConnell plans campaign finance rider in spending bill: report

by Bradford Richardson - 11/25/15 7:41 PM ET

Senate Republicans are planning to include a rider to the government spending bill that would increase the amount of money political parties can spend on candidates.

Politico reported that the provision would eliminate caps on the amount of cash parties can spend in coordination with candidates.

{mosads}Congress must pass the government spending bill by Dec. 11 in order to avoid a government shutdown.

A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), a longtime opponent of campaign finance restrictions, told Politico the measure has bipartisan support.

“There is bipartisan desire to have that provision done,” the spokesperson said.

But a senior Democratic Senate aide demurred, telling Politico that party leadership is unlikely to support the measure “for the simple reason that it exacerbates the fundamental problem that a wealthy few are controlling our democracy.”

Proponents of the measure argue it would give parties more control over elections, taking it away from less-transparent outside groups that have emerged since the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision.

But watchdog groups contend that curbing regulations on campaign finance undermines democracy by allowing the ultra-rich undue access to politicians and influence over the political process.

Tags Campaign finance Mitch McConnell