Wilson Remarks on McCain-Feingold Court Decision

Today, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) made the following remarks after learning that a federal court ruled much of last year's controversial McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform bill unconstitutional:"Today's decision by the court proves that the McCain-Feingold bill was fundamentally flawed. This bill does not eradicate the abuses within the campaign finance system, but instead infringes upon the First Amendment rights of speech and association. I voted against this bill precisely because I believed it was unconstitutional. The only way to protect free speech and allow for open and honest elections is to provide for the full and public disclosure of all political contributions," said Rep. Wilson.In the 107th Congress, Rep. Wilson joined Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) as a cosponsor of his legislation, the Citizen Legislature and Political Freedom Act. This measure would have accomplished the following goals: · encourage political speech rather than limit it· enable any American to run for office· increase the amount of time candidates spend with constituents and debating issues rather than raising money· make candidates accountable to their constituents for the money they accept"I hope that my fellow members take this opportunity to reexamine this important issue which obviously has not been properly dealt with," said Rep. Wilson.###