Public weary about corporate influence in politics

A survey released by the People for the American Way shows the public’s increasing worry about the influence corporations have elections and in politics. (Thanks to the League of Women Voters of Minnesota’s The State of Democracy for the heads up.)

Some highlights of the report include:

• 85% of voters feel that corporations have too much influence over the political system,  while 93% feel average citizens have too little.
• 56% feel that this is serious problem for our democracy.
• Of those who had heard of the Citizens United decision, 61% disapprove. 72% believe it will have a negative impact.
• 55% agree letting big corporations spend unlimited amounts on elections is a threat to our democracy, because corporations will spend whatever it takes to get their way and elect people who will side with them.
• 45% agree the United States is supposed to be a government of, by, and for the people, but under the Supreme Court’s decision equating corporations with people we are becoming a government of, by, and for the corporations.

Minnesota passed a limited disclosure bill last legislative session, but there are fears the bill’s language does not ensure voters will be able to track campaign donations.