Massachusetts Could Lead Way in Overturning Citizens United

Voters in Massachusetts could give an important boost to a movement seeking to amend the U.S. Constitution to restore some limits on corporations' political spending.

The 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision known as Citizens United helped open the door to allowing businesses, unions and nonprofits to spend unlimited amounts to influence elections.

A measure on Tuesday's ballot calls for the creation of a state commission to weigh potential constitutional amendments to overturn the court ruling. It's part of a wider multistate effort to undo Citizens United.

Supporters said 19 states have already signaled their support for similar amendments. They say money should not equal speech.

Critics say money is a form of speech. They see the push for a constitutional amendment as an effort to limit First Amendment rights.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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