Wiley Rein’s Michael Toner Discusses Role of Super PACs in 2012 Election

Election Law & Government Ethics Practice co-chair Michael Toner was quoted in a Los Angeles Times story delving into the role of Super PACs in the 2012 presidential election and beyond.

As the article reports, Super PACs have spent an unprecedented $1 billion thus far on the 2012 federal races and have likely secured a permanent place in the political landscape.  Many of these organizations have resources and influence that rival the political parties. “Outside groups are emerging as ‘shadow political parties,’” observed Mr. Toner. The article goes on to note that some Super PACs are taking up the kind of get-out-the-vote organizing that has traditionally been the domain of political parties.