Beyond Sticker Shock: What's Really Changed in Money in Politics in 2012?

Author: Mark Schmitt

Published: October 2, 2012

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This paper highlights the biggest issues regarding how money really works in our political system, what its effects are, and how that's changing in the post-Citizens United era aside from the soaring top-line numbers.

Key Questions:

• Has money affected competition?
• Does money affect polarization?
• Do broadcast ads matter as much as they used to?
• Have corporations changed their behavior?
• Are there downsides to SuperPACs and other outside-money vehicles?
• Do small donors still matter?
• Can small-donor reforms withstand outside money?
• Is reform finished as a bipartisan project?
• Does the public care? 

Beyond Sticker Shock: What's Really Changed in Money in Politics in 2012?

Flag and dollar image via Shutterstock.com.