1/22: Lobbyists get strong weapon in campaign finance ruling

New York Times: Lobbyists get strong weapon in campaign finance ruling

A lobbyist can now tell any elected official: if you vote wrong, my company, labor union or interest group will spend unlimited sums explicitly advertising against your re-election.

The decision seeks to let voters choose for themselves among a multitude of voices and ideas when they go to the polls, but it will also increase the power of organized interest groups at the expense of candidates and political parties. It could also have a big impact on state and local governments, where a few million dollars can have more influence on elections.

In North Carolina, a state law similar to a federal law that had barred corporations and unions from using money from their general funds to produce and run campaign ads to endorse or oppose a candidate now appears unenforceable. This could impact future elections.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: American Indian remains found at construction site of Oxford sports complex

ARKANSAS: Housing market in state shows signs of improvement

FLORIDA: Cost of fruits and vegetables skyrockets due to Florida freeze

GEORGIA: State faces $506 million Medicaid gap

KENTUCKY: Senate defeats amendment that would expand gambling

LOUISIANA: Sen. Landrieu works to block EPA's greenhouse gas decision

MISSISSIPPI: State lawmakers consider making cold medications prescription-only

SOUTH CAROLINA: Businesses in state want to keep DHEC out of governor's control

TENNESSEE: Lawmakers pass higher-education bill, easing transfer requirements

VIRGINIA: House rejects former Gov. Kaine's proposed tax increase plan

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