Amendment 65:Campaign Finance Limits

Colorado Congressional Delegation to Support Campaign Finance Limits

Outcome: Passed

Summary

"Shall there be amendments to the Colorado constitution and the Colorado revised statutes concerning support by Colorado's legislative representatives for a federal constitutional amendment to limit campaign contributions and spending, and, in connection therewith, instructing Colorado's congressional delegation to propose and support, and the members of Colorado's state legislature to ratify, an amendment to the United States constitution that allows congress and the states to limit campaign contributions and spending?"

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Yes

That the voter wants Colorado congressional members to support a constitutional amendment that would overturn the 2010 Citizens United vs. FEC decision: under protection of the First Amendment, the government cannot regulate financial donations from individuals to political campaigns. Such a constitutional amedment must be approved by two-thirds of Congress and by three-fourths of the states. Although Amendment 65 asks that Colorado congressional members support such an amendment, it cannot force them to do so.

No

That the voter does not want Colorado congressional leaders to support the constitutional amendment.

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Yes

The initiative will not have direct financial impact on Colorado citizens.

No

The initiative will not have direct financial impact on Colorado citizens.

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Yes

Colorado legislative staff analysis:

"1) The current system of financing political campaigns gives too much influence over elections and public policy to wealthy individuals and organizations. This measure sends a message from Colorado voters to their elected representatives that money in politics should be limited so that other perspectives can be heard. Further, it gives elected representatives in Congress and the state legislature clear instructions to make the necessary changes to create a more level playing field in politics.

"2) Prior court rulings have increased the ability of wealthy individuals and organizations to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence campaigns and elections, as well as public policy. In many cases, the public does not know who is providing this money because the source does not have to be disclosed. The surest way to reverse these changes is to amend the U.S. Constitution as recommended by this measure. Amendment takes the first step in that process by encouraging Congress to take action."

No

Colorado legislative staff analysis:

"1) The measure could lead to restrictions that limit the fundamental rights to freedom of speech, expression, and association. Individuals and organizations should not be restricted in how they spend money to promote the ideas and candidates they support. Further, candidates and campaigns should be free to spend any contributions received from supporters.

"2) A state ballot measure cannot require elected representatives in Congress or the state legislature to support or vote for certain laws and policies. Therefore, the measure will have no practical effect. Rather than using Colorado law to make a political statement, those who advocate for more restrictive campaign finance laws should instead support congressional candidates who will pursue such changes."

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Yes

Colorado Amend 2012: Coloradans Get Big Money Out of Politics

1536 Wynkoop St. #302

Denver, CO 80202

Contact: Elena Nunez

Email: enunez@commoncause.org

303-292-2163

Website: http://coloradoamend2012.org

Fair Share Committee to Get Big Money Out of Politics

1543 Wazee St.

4th Floor

Denver, CO 80202

Contact: Kirsten Schatz

Email: Kirsten.Schatz@gmail.com

303-573-5995

Website: www.fairsharealliance.org/colorado-fair-share

No

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Amendment 65 Full textClick here to view.

Measure TypeCitizen initiated

Funding

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Yes

Rank	Contributor name	Total
1	FAIR SHARE ALLIANCE	$578,900
2	COLORADO FAIR SHARE	$275,000
3	COMMON CAUSE	$102,838
4	COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA	$25,000
5	PEOPLE FOR THE AMERICAN WAY	$15,000