Full Breakdown
Montana Ballot Initiative Aims to Ban Dark Money, Testing Citizens United
By Drooid · · How we work
Measure Overview
Voters in Montana are considering a statewide ballot measure that would prohibit “dark money” – independent political spending by corporations, labor unions and other special-interest groups that is not disclosed to the public. The proposal is backed by a coalition that spans the political spectrum, including a well-known former Republican governor and a Democratic senator who have campaigned together. Opponents, comprising Montana business groups, the Republican governor and his party, argue that the measure conflicts with the 2010 Supreme Court decision in *Citizens United v. FEC*.
Background & Context
*Citizens United* was decided by a 5-4 majority and held that independent political spending by corporations and labor unions is protected speech under the First Amendment. In Montana, growing voter frustration over this influx of money has spurred the current effort to ban such spending at the state level.
Key Figures
- Jeff Mangan – Founder and president of the Transparent Election Initiative, the organization that drafted the ballot proposal.
- Former Republican governor – Prominent statewide figure who has joined the bipartisan coalition supporting the ban.
- Democratic senator – Federal legislator who is co-campaigning with the former governor for the measure.
- Montana business groups – Organized opposition that contends the ban violates constitutional free-speech protections.
- Republican governor and party – State executive and legislative majority asserting the measure is unconstitutional under *Citizens United*.
Official Statements & Responses
Supporters contend that the ban is a permissible “corporate regulation” that does not infringe on free speech, arguing that the state can limit undisclosed spending to protect electoral integrity. Business groups and the Republican governor’s office maintain that any restriction on independent expenditures would be struck down by the Supreme Court precedent, warning that the measure could trigger costly legal battles. The Transparent Election Initiative emphasizes broad public demand for reform, citing widespread voter sentiment that political money has become excessive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I haven’t talked to a person yet that doesn’t think that there’s too much money in politics,” — Jeff Mangan, a lifelong Montana resident — Jeff Mangan, a lifelong Montana resident