The Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this year in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which allows corporations, unions and nonprofit groups to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections, has helped fuel a record year of spending by outside interest groups, mostly in favor of Republicans. Companies, which had been barred since 1947 from using general-treasury dollars in support of or in opposition to a candidate, now can spend millions of dollars on their own campaign ads. The case was prompted by a 2008 movie about Hillary Clinton, which was produced using corporate funds.

President Obama has sharply criticized the Supreme Court’s decision on corporate political spending, but Democrats failed twice to push legislation through the Senate that would increase disclosure requirements for companies. Republicans accused Democrats of attempting to quash the free-speech rights of corporations.

Whatever the outcome on November 2nd, it is clear that Congress will continue to be very closely divided. As a matter of strategic principle, MHI is non-partisan but pro-industry, and has sought to build relationships on both sides of the aisle in order to be well positioned whatever the electoral outcome. The MHI-PAC remains focused on providing financial assistance to political candidates who support a sound pro-business philosophy and responsible positions on issues of concern to our industry. The MHI-PAC is bi-partisan, contributing to both Democratic and Republican candidates who understand and support MHI’s agenda. The MHI-PAC is valuable, and needs your continued support.

If you are a member and have questions, contact MHI Vice President of Political and Legislative Affairs Rae Ann Bevington at 703-558-0675 or rbevington@mfghome.org.