Reich calls for making Citizens United history through state laws
Robert ReichFormer U.S. labor secretary and political commentator
Reich criticizes Citizens United and argues that states could limit corporations' power to spend in elections. He urges California and Montana to lead that effort.
“It’s time to make Citizens United history. California (and Montana) can lead the way.”
Analysis
Where this statement fits
Citizens United: Corporate election spending and free speech
The Supreme Court protected corporate and union independent election spending in Citizens United. Defenders say the ruling protects political speech and association. Critics say it gives wealthy interests excessive influence and undermines democratic accountability.
Source and context
Analysis
About this source
The Minnesota House committee exhibit reproduces Reich's February 25 article in full. Reich criticizes Citizens United and proposes state limits on corporate political powers; the article does not establish that courts would uphold that approach.
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Reich argues that states can withhold corporations' power to spend in politics. His approach distinguishes corporate powers from corporate rights.
After the quotation
He endorses proposed California legislation and a Montana initiative as ways to limit corporate political spending. This is his proposed legal strategy, not a court ruling accepting it.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The ruling protecting corporate independent spending is the action under scrutiny. Reich explicitly calls for making it history and argues for limiting its practical effect. His support for an alternative state-law approach is grounded in opposition to the ruling.
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The Dispute Index. "Reich calls for making Citizens United history through state laws". First published: 2026-10-20. Last updated: 2026-10-20. https://disputeindex.com/events/6100-reich-criticizes-citizens-united-and-argues-that-states