Taylor Lorenz’s Power User The New Legal Fight to Destroy Super PACs Forever
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Oct 31, 2025 
Lawrence Lessig, a Harvard law professor and campaign finance reform advocate, discusses his mission to challenge super PACs. He explains the legal origins of super PACs rooted in Citizens United and SpeechNow rulings. Lessig argues that limiting contributions could restore democratic representation and highlights a successful initiative in Maine to ban super PACs. He shares insights on the anticipated legal battles and the support from wealthy allies seeking to reduce their influence, navigating a complex web of legal constraints.
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How Super PACs Were Created
- Super PACs arose from two 2010 court decisions that removed contribution limits for independent committees.
- That combination created a system where a few wealthy donors can veto policies and control races.
Definition And Legal Distinction
- A super PAC is an independent political action committee that accepts unlimited contributions.
- It differs from campaigns and coordinated PACs which remain subject to contribution limits.
Legal Logic Behind The Loophole
- Citizens United protected independent expenditures but assumed independence eliminates quid pro quo corruption.
- The D.C. Circuit then extended that logic to void contribution limits, enabling super PACs.