Since 2010, the judiciary has decided that corporations and labor unions may freely spend in American elections, and that so-called "Super PACs" can accept unlimited contributions from private citizens for the purpose of buying election advertising. Using campaign finance data, election returns, advertising archives, a public opinion survey, and interviews with congressional candidates in the 2012 election, Super PAC! provides unprecedented insight into the behavior of these organizations, and how they affect public opinion and voting behavior. The first in-depth exploration of the topic, this book will make significant contributions in both political science and applied policy.
Conor M. Dowling is Assistant Professor of Political Science at University of Mississippi.
Michael G. Miller is Assistant Professor of Political Science at University of Illinois, Springfield.
Introduction. 1. Citizens United. 2. Rise of the Super PAC. 3. Money in Elections. 4. Does it Matter Where Money Comes From? 5. Super PAC Ads in the 2012 Presidential Election. 6. Public Opinion of Campaign Finance After Citizens United. 7. Prospects for Campaign Finance Reform.