Apparently, the Supreme Court has learned nothing from the fallout of its ruling in Citizens United, the case which equated giving money to politicians with free speech and empowered the wealthy and corporations to wield disproportionate influence in the governing of this nation.
Now, in an opinion by Chief Justice John Roberts, speaking for its six conservative members, the court has struck down a law which put a monetary cap on the amount a candidate can be repaid on a loan he made to his campaign from post-election donations. Starkly restated, a donor can say, " now that you have won the election, using your own money as you have a right to do, I will put the money back in your pocket in the hope and expectation that you will remember my generosity as you perform your official duties."
Incredibly, Justice Roberts said that scenario does not smack of the appearance of corruption sufficient to justify campaign finance limits.
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