In a decision largely dictated by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United, U.S. District Judge William Caldwell of the Middle District of Pennsylvania today entered a permanent injunction suspending the Pennsylvania state law barring corporations and associations from making political contributions.
Judge Caldwell did not, however, agree to the Commonwealth's request to create a new category of "independent political committees" in Pennsylvania.
This decision obviously has significant implications for franchisors and franchisees operating in Pennsylvania, who can now make direct political contributions to candidates from their corporate entities. As there are expected to be fierce fights this fall over the Governor's Mansion and both houses of the Commonwealth's Legislature–and increased franchise regulation is a regular topic in Harrisburg–I expect the franchise community will use this new opportunity to have its voice heard by the politicians.
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