“The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on campaign financing is a shameful step backward toward big money special interests exercising too much influence over American political campaigns. The campaign finance provisions struck down by the Court were the result of years of careful, bipartisan compromise.

“Alaska followed suit in passing some of the strictest state campaign finance laws in the nation. Alaskans want strict accountability on who gives to candidates for public office, we demand full disclosure and we strictly limit the amount that can be donated by individuals only.

“I’ll work with Senate colleagues to keep big special interest money out of our national politics.”

Begich also sent a letter to all members of the Alaska State Legislature and to Governor Sean Parnell urging them to act quickly to make sure the intent of Alaska’s strict campaign finance laws remain intact following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

Two weeks ago the nation’s highest court issued a decision which allows corporations to spend freely to support or oppose candidates for Congress or President. And, just yesterday, a legislative legal opinion was released in Alaska saying Alaska’s own statues might not be enforced following the Supreme Court’s decision.

Begich said, “This change in campaign finance law could give the appearance politicians are subject to the whims of the highest bidder.”

Begich said he is particularly concerned about the view in Alaska that there will not only be no limits on independent expenditures by for-profit corporations, but also no statutory disclosures identifying the contributors or reporting requirements for the corporations.

“I urge you to take action this legislative session to ensure Alaska’s campaign finance laws remain as strong as they were before the Supreme Court decision. I have pledged to work with my Senate colleagues to pass legislation on the federal level to correct this wrong,” Begich said.

In closing, Begich tells lawmakers this is not a partisan issue, it affects Alaskans across the political spectrum.