October 29, 2003

Boise State Features Debate On Campaign Reform

“Free Speech, Money and Politics: A Debate on Federal Election Reform” will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the Student Union Lookout Room on the Boise State University campus. This timely debate will focus on the case currently before the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the McCain-Feingold Act on campaign finance reform. Presenters will use the briefs and arguments actually presented to the court in this case. A decision could be announced by the Supreme Court at any time, but is not expected until after this program takes place. That decision will set the rules for financing federal elections for the foreseeable future. Former Idaho Supreme Court Justice Cathy Silak will argue for upholding the McCain-Feingold Act, while attorney Allyn Dingle Jr. will argue for its demise. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Stephen Trott will preside over the arguments. Silak and Dingle will debate the four major points addressed in arguments before the Supreme court: soft money, electioneering, attack ads and free speech. Trott will pose questions to both sides during the debate, with time provided at the end for questions from the audience. “As we deal with money in the heat of elections, we all tend to focus on what’s permissible and what isn’t,” said George Moses, a member of Friends of the Renaissance Institute, who will introduce the program. “This program, presented by three accomplished legal personalities, gives us a rare opportunity to hear the best and most current thinking on why we permit some things and not others. It’s also a unique chance to match thinking with the Justices while they’re actually deliberating instead of after the fact.” The debate is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the lot behind the Student Union. Continuing Legal Education credits are available for attorneys. Sponsors include the Renaissance Institute, City Club of Boise, the League of Women Voters, the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs and the Division of Extended Studies. -30- Contact Ellie McKinnon Extended Studies (208) 426-1709 Contact Media Sherry Squires communications and marketing (208) 426-1563