<P> Justice Stevens, J. wrote, in partial dissent: </P> <Dl> <Dd> The basic premise underlying the Court's ruling is its iteration, and constant reiteration, of the proposition that the First Amendment bars regulatory distinctions based on a speaker's identity, including its "identity" as a corporation . While that glittering generality has rhetorical appeal, it is not a correct statement of the law . Nor does it tell us when a corporation may engage in electioneering that some of its shareholders oppose . It does not even resolve the specific question whether Citizens United may be required to finance some of its messages with the money in its PAC . The conceit that corporations must be treated identically to natural persons in the political sphere is not only inaccurate but also inadequate to justify the Court's disposition of this case . </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> The basic premise underlying the Court's ruling is its iteration, and constant reiteration, of the proposition that the First Amendment bars regulatory distinctions based on a speaker's identity, including its "identity" as a corporation . While that glittering generality has rhetorical appeal, it is not a correct statement of the law . Nor does it tell us when a corporation may engage in electioneering that some of its shareholders oppose . It does not even resolve the specific question whether Citizens United may be required to finance some of its messages with the money in its PAC . The conceit that corporations must be treated identically to natural persons in the political sphere is not only inaccurate but also inadequate to justify the Court's disposition of this case . </Dd> <Dl> <Dd> In the context of election to public office, the distinction between corporate and human speakers is significant . Although they make enormous contributions to our society, corporations are not actually members of it . They cannot vote or run for office . Because they may be managed and controlled by nonresidents, their interests may conflict in fundamental respects with the interests of eligible voters . The financial resources, legal structure, and instrumental orientation of corporations raise legitimate concerns about their role in the electoral process . Our lawmakers have a compelling constitutional basis, if not also a democratic duty, to take measures designed to guard against the potentially deleterious effects of corporate spending in local and national races . </Dd> </Dl>

Which campaign financing reform was best known for restricting