The Case For Super PACs

Despite the hand-wringing, they’re healthy for democracy. No, really.

President Obama’s 2012 retooled message is about fairness. If that’s the case, the president should learn to love super PACs and their influx of money into the campaign system—a development which, if nothing else, ensures a stronger competitive balance in elections. That’s a good thing for democracy because it levels the playing field for candidates challenging entrenched incumbents with connections to moneyed interests.

The dirty secret about most campaign finance reforms is that they’re designed to protect incumbents. By decrying the federal campaign rules making it easier for wealthy donors to donate big chunks of cash, good-government groups are unwittingly backing policies that protect current officeholders.

Think about it: Presidents and members of Congress have all the perks of power at their disposal to help them raise cash. President Obama has a slew of willing and wealthy Democratic donors. Most federal lawmakers covet seats on important committees, such as Ways and Means, because of the greater opportunities to raise money.

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