9 Nov 2013 2:41 pm
After Cuccinelli Loss, Conservatives Suddenly Realize Campaign Spending Is a ProblemTuesday, as he conceded defeat in the Virginia governor's race, Ken Cuccinelli II (R-Virginia) told supporters that he had come closer than polls had indicated "despite being outspent by an unprecedented $15 million."But while he and his conservative supporters now lament that money cost them the victory they felt they deserved, they have long been the defenders of the system of campaign finance non-regulation in Virginia and nationally.Conservative groups like the Center for Competitive Politics have long argued that "money doesnt buy elections."Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), whose own political action committee gave $5,000 to Cuccinelli's campaign, has for years advocated for an end to limits on campaign contributions,believing "money is speech."While the 2010 Citizens United ruling weakened federal contribution limits, Virginia has long been one of a handful of states with no limits whatsoever. The only restriction Cuccinelli supported over his time in the state senate was on contributions from foreign nationals.Be careful what you wish for.It may come back to bite you in the ***.