National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Comm’n · ¶89

Turning to the effects of Colorado II: That decision rested in part on an apparent concern that political parties otherwise could exercise outsized influence in political campaigns and elections—in particular that parties “act as agents for spending on behalf of those who seek to produce obligated officeholders.” 533 U. S., at 452. Colorado II opined that “parties’ capacity to concentrate power to elect is the very capacity that apparently opens them to exploitation as channels for circumventing contribution and coordinated spending limits binding on other political players.” Id., at 455.

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