Sen. Udall explains anti-Citizens United amendment

Democratic Sens. Tom Udall of New Mexico said Thursday that a constitutional amendment was necessary give Congress and the states the authority to legislate on campaign finance reform.

He and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced a constitutional amendment on Tuesday that would overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.

"Citizens United has unleashed a flood of special interest money, of corporate money," Udall said during an appearance on MSNBC. "The decision itself allows corporate treasuries to now be a part of the campaign system."

The proposed amendment would grant Congress and the states the authority to regulate the campaign finance system, but would not dictate any specific policies or regulations.

When asked why he did not go further with his amendment -- by stating that money is not "protected speech," for instance -- Udall said that his amendment could garner some support from Republicans, who have blocked attempts to overturn the ruling in the past.

Watch video, courtesy of MSNBC, below:

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