Arena Careers

End Citizens United

endcitizensunited.org

In 2010, the Supreme Court made a decision that would change politics in Citizens United vs. F.E.C. The case was about the idea that “corporations are people” and allows special interest groups and the wealthy to spend money on U.S. elections. The money can be limitless and cannot be traced; in essence, U.S. elections can be bought. End Citizens United was formed on March 1st, 2015, to combat against large political funding groups with ulterior motives from paying for elections to go their own way. End Citizens United is financed not by big money, but by grassroots donations. They are committed to not only attempting to end Citizens United, but to see pro-reform candidates elected, keep the issue of using money in politics in the forefront, and more. As of August 2015, when End Citizens officially launched, they raised $2 million in support of their cause from small donors. As Richard Carbo, Communications Director of the group, stated, “The group's entire cycle is set to take in an additional $25 million to $30 million more.” End Citizens United has backed pro-reform Democrats so far, and critics may point this out. However, the group says, “Even though many Republicans and Independent voters agree that undisclosed political spending is out of control, Republican leadership in Congress is standing squarely in the way of overturning this disastrous Supreme Court decision. It has to stop. So we will do what we can to support candidates who are champions for meaningful campaign finance reform.” If a Republican or Independent candidate were pro-reform, End Citizens United would support them. End Citizens United's website shows not only what they do, but posts the latest news, has a page for candidates that want finance reform, and a donation page. It also explains what you can do to end Citizens United by forming your own group, posting on your own social media websites, and spreading the word about pro-reform candidates up for election.