From a leading expert on election law, a compelling answer to the dilemmas of campaign finance reform. Campaign financing is one of today's most divisive political issues. The left asserts that the electoral process is rife with corruption. The right protests that the real aim of campaign limits is to suppress political activity and protect incumbents. Meanwhile, money flows freely on both sides. In "Plutocrats United", Richard Hasen argues that both left and right avoid the key issue of the new Citizens United era: balancing political inequality with free speech. The Supreme Court has long held that corruption and its appearance are the only reasons to constitutionally restrict campaign funds. Progressives often agree but have a much broader view of corruption. Hasen argues for a new focus and way forward: if the government is to ensure robust political debate, the Supreme Court should allow limits on money in politics to prevent those with great economic power from distorting the political process.
About the Author
Richard L. Hasen is Chancellor's Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine. In 2013 he was named one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America by the National Law Journal. He lives in Studio City, CA.
Reviews
"A masterful blend of legal reasoning and political analysis, Hasen's new book is the most thorough, nuanced, and compelling treatment I have read of how money in elections reduces political equality and thereby diminishes American democracy. He unabashedly proposes a reform strategy that goes to the heart of the problem" – Thomas E. Mann, co-author of "It's Even Worse Than It Looks"
"'Plutocrats United' will mark Hasen certainly as the dean of this field" – Lawrence Lessig, author of "Republic, Lost: How Money Corrupts Congress – and a Plan to Stop It"
"There is no better analyst or interpreter of America's campaign finance laws and regime then Rick Hasen. 'Plutocrats United' is Hasen at his finest: a cogent, reasoned critique of what the Supreme Court has and has not done to shape money and American politics, and a roadmap to a better system if and when there is a Court willing to respond to reason" – Norman Ornstein, co-author, "It's Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism"
"Rick Hasen is the foremost scholar working today to make the case for a robust conception of political equality in thinking about the regulation of campaign finance. In this new book he displays all of his well-recognized skills and deep learning. It is clear and readable, both scholarly and accessible, and it will be highly influential in academic and policy development communities, and in the courts. There is no more authoritative source for anyone who seeks a thorough treatment of all the reasons one might care about equality in this era of mega-donors and Super PACs" – Bob Bauer, former White House Counsel and Professor of Practice, New York University School of Law
"While others complain about the corruption of money in politics, Rick Hasen, America's leading expert on the electoral process, offers smart, innovative solutions. This book is a 'must-read' for anyone who wants to understand the roots of America's profound political inequality – and wants to do something about it" – Adam Winkler, UCLA School of Law
