A Landmark Decision Turns Forty: A Conversation on Buckley v. Valeo

James Buckley gives a behind the scenes description as to why he thought the Campaign Reform Act of 1974 was suspect, how the case effected his career and how the holding of the Supreme Court has since effected campaign finance law. Remarks first given regarding the Buckley V. Valeo Panel where Dean Nichola`s Allard provided commentary. Included in this commentary, Mr. Glasser explains that similar to other problems that have plagued the United States, campaign finance is a unique issue that requires not only an analysis of what the problem is, but also whether the proposed remedy will solve the problem and whether it will unintentionally create new and perhaps worse problems. Mr. Glasser then provides a personal soliloquy about his interactions and role in litigating the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. In the wake of Buckley v. Valeo, scholars questioning the cost of financing political campaigns, its ties to incumbancy and corruption and the curtailments to First Amendment rights. Dean Allard\u27s discussion of, and commentary towards the impact Buckley V. Valeo has had on election law and campaign finance law. Commentary also includes opinions as to the state of our political system and steps that need to be taken in light of the Buckley decision to help strengthen and reform the current system