Supreme Court Kills Montana Century-Old Corporate Spending Ban -- American Tradition Partnership v. Bullock (2012-06-25)

The Supreme Court reversed, per curiam and without oral argument, the Montana Supreme Courts decision upholding Montanas century-old ban on corporate political expenditures in state elections. Montana had argued that its unique political history -- dominated by copper king William Andrews Clark bribery scandal -- created unique and compelling interests in limiting corporate spending. The U.S. Supreme Court stated there can be no serious doubt that Citizens United applies to state laws under the Supremacy Clause. Justice Breyer dissented, joined by Ginsburg, Sotomayor, and Kagan, arguing the Court should reconsider Citizens United.