Big money campaigns in judicial races create the perception that the independence of our courts is in danger. The basis of campaign finance law in Mississippi is disclosure. Two years ago our Legislature passed a strong law with strict reporting requirements. Of course, all people and groups have the right to support the candidates of their choice. At the same time, every citizen has a right to know where candidates get their money.
Voters can make informed decisions when candidates' contributors are reported for everyone to see.
This organization filed no reports and made no disclosures of who its contributors were. This group sued the State of Mississippi in an effort to keep the names of its contributors secret. Their arguments were rejected in federal court, but they have appealed the case. If their lawsuit is ultimately successful, our campaign finance laws could become meaningless. The case may go to the U.S. Supreme Court, whose 1976 Buckley vs. Valeo decision is the basis for those seeking loopholes in our campaign finance law.