Summary
Big-money influence—via Citizens United, Super PACs, and dark money—is deepening political divides and eroding trust. I’ll fight to overturn Citizens United with a constitutional amendment and pass transparency laws to restore democracy.
By Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th District | August 10, 2025
When big money buys our politics, we lose our voice—and our democracy fractures. Citizens United unleashed this corporate cash flood, fueling divisive Super PACs and shadow spending that drown out regular Americans.
How Money Has Rigged Our Democracy
On January 21, 2010, the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on elections—striking down decades-old campaign finance limits. Today, outside spending has swelled from about $574 million in 2008 to approximately $3.3 billion in 2020, and $4.5 billion by 2024. (The Guardian, Brennan Center)
This gave birth to Super PACs and dark-money groups that funnel vast sums into politics—with little transparency.
The Cost: Division, Distrust, Policy For Sale
Big money rigged the rules, and the voters paid the price.
- Citizens don’t trust government: Just 16 % of Americans say they trust Washington to do the right thing “always” or “most of the time.” (Builders Movement)
- Policy favors the wealthy: Studies show economic elites and business interests drive policy, while average citizens have nearly zero influence when their views conflict. (Builders Movement)
- Dark money fuels negativity: Outside groups hiding donors run more negative ads on social media and elsewhere, undermining accountability. (arXiv)
How I’ll Fight Back
I’m committed to restoring democracy—not handing it over to an oligarchy of billionaires.
1. A Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United. We need a new amendment—like the proposed “Saving American Democracy” or “We the People” amendments—that states only natural persons have constitutional rights and lets Congress and the states set reasonable campaign limits. (Wikipedia)
2. Strong Transparency Laws. I’ll back laws like the DISCLOSE Act to shed light on super PACs, 501(c) groups, and shadow spending—forcing disclosure of donors above certain thresholds. (Wikipedia)
3. Returning Political Power to the People. Campaign finance policy belongs with voters and legislators—not unelected judges. We’ll push for a “For Our Freedom Amendment” to ensure decisions on spending limits rest with the people. (Washington Post)
Conclusion
Money should never define our democracy—but unless we act, it will. I’m ready to take on Citizens United, expose dark money, and ensure that government answers to people, not millionaires. Join me—we’ll rebuild a democracy that works for all.
Sources:
Citizens United decision details
Statistics on public trust and elite policy influence
Research on negativity from dark-money ads
Proposed constitutional amendments
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