Unions and U.S. Chamber of Commerce agree on one thing: McCain-Feingold interferes with their speech
AFL-CIO, Chamber of Commerce, National Education Association
and OMB Watch issued this statement earlier this week: Sept. 8, 2006 marked the beginning of a 60-day blackout period for broadcasts that mention federal candidates, even if the broadcasts are wholly unrelated to the election. During this time, it will be a federal crime for unions, other nonprofits, and business corporations to air a message asking citizens to contact representatives in Congress to vote yes or no on a bill.
As organizations deeply concerned with public policy issues, we condemn this clampdown on free speech and call on the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to use its power under the McCain-Feingold campaign reform law to exempt broadcasts that are unrelated to federal elections.
Campaign finance rules are supposed to protect us from corruption, but blocking off legislative and issue broadcast communications with the public does not serve that purpose. In order for democracy to function and government to be held accountable, citizens must be able to contact legislators and legislators need to hear from them. One of the most effective ways for citizen groups to reach the public is through broadcast communications. -- OMB Watch - Law Meant to Regulate 'Sham' Issue Ads Instead Silences Citizens Groups