January 30, 2012
Securities and Exchange Commission
I am deeply concerned about the influence of corporate money on our electoral process.
In particular, I am appalled that, because of the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, publicly traded corporations can spend investor's money on political activity in secret.
I am writing to urge the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue a rule requiring publicly traded corporations to publicly disclose all their political spending.
Both shareholders and the public must be fully informed as to how much the corporation spends on politics and which candidates are being promoted or attacked. Disclosures should also explain what fraction of profits are spent for political purposes, and if these political expenditures affect private investments. Full disclosures should be posted promptly on the SEC's web site and as part of any public ads or public statements about political candidates.
Thank you for considering my comment.
Grace Koehler
Wendell, ID