Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning a federal ban on corporate spending on political campaigns, State Sen. Bill Baroni (R-Hamilton) has called for the immediate review of all state campaign finance laws – including those that prohibit contributions and independent expenditures from casinos, utilities, and other regulated industries.
Baroni, a Seton Hall law professor who teaches campaign finance, wants Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-West Deptford) and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-East Orange) to form a special bi-partisan legislative commission to review the effect of the Supreme Court decision on New Jersey.
“This is the most profoundly destabilizing campaign finance decision in decades,” Baroni said of the top court’s 5-4 ruling.
Baroni says the Supreme Court ruling could also affect the future of New Jersey’s pay to play laws.
“New Jersey needs to do all it can to keep corrupt dollars out of politics,” Baroni said. “In light of today’s decision, Republicans and Democrats must work together to review every one of our campaign finance laws and regulations.”
