Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Wednesday cheered a Supreme Court decision striking down limits on aggregate campaign donations, saying the ruling was a victory for the freedom of speech.
“I’m all for freedom. Congratulations,” Boehner told reporters at a Capitol press conference after hearing news of the court’s 5-4 ruling.
{mosads}The decision came down after the event had gotten under way, and an aide whispered the news to the Speaker, who then quietly informed Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.).
Asked if the ruling would give “outsized” power to wealthy donors, Boehner replied, “No.”
“What I think this means is that freedom of speech is being upheld,” he said. “You all have the freedom to write what you want to write. Donors ought to have the freedom to give what they want to give.”