Lever Time MONEYBOMB, Part 6: Did A Federal Judge Sink Super PACs? (With Larry Lessig)
Nov 13, 2025
Larry Lessig, a Harvard Law School professor and leading voice in campaign finance reform, delves into the legal fight against Super PACs. He discusses the pivotal Maine ballot measure aimed at limiting Super PAC contributions and the district court's unusual ruling that acknowledged corruption risks but barred regulation. Lessig believes the Supreme Court can uphold state limits without overturning Citizens United. He emphasizes the urgent need to address corruption to improve democracy, expressing newfound optimism in the fight for reform.
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SpeechNow, Not Citizens United, Created Super PACs
- Citizens United alone didn't create Super PACs; SpeechNow did by removing donor limits for independent expenditures.
- Larry Lessig argues SpeechNow's logic, not Citizens United's, is the practical source of unlimited Super PAC power.
Maine Volunteers Mobilized To Ban Super PACs
- Larry Lessig and volunteers gathered signatures in Maine, including converts at other petition tables, to end Super PACs.
- The Maine initiative passed with nearly 75% of the vote, showing broad cross-partisan support.
Judge Admitted Super PAC Donations Can Be Quid
- A federal judge acknowledged contributions to independent expenditure PACs can serve as the quid in quid pro quo.
- Lessig sees that admission as the legal hinge to argue states can limit Super PAC donations under existing Supreme Court logic.
