The Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission dramatically restructured how American elections are funded by gutting restrictions on corporations' ability to give money to political candidates. One of the most impactful resultant changes was the rise of the super PAC, a new kind of political action committee that could raise exponentially larger sums than its predecessors by channeling corporate donations. Although the full significance of super PACs will not be known for several election cycles, this study is a fine initial exploration of how they have altered the American electoral landscape. Smith and Powell compartmentalize their approach by detailing and analyzing the role that super PACs played in the Republican presidential primaries, in President Obama's preparations for his reelection bid, and in the general election for president. . . .In addition, the authors separately scrutinize candidate-affiliated super PACs and independent ones. While many of the accounts in this slim monograph are brief, they are highly informative and readable, and can serve as an excellent introduction to the subject for students and scholars alike. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Undergraduate collections all levels and above.

Choice Reviews

The book makes a major contribution to understanding the current political landscape. . . .Smith and Powell provide campaign watchers with a handbook to better understand the growing influence of the third type of campaign in a presidential or federal election.

Presidential Studies Quarterly

Big money, or Super PACs, was more influential in the 2012 American presidential campaign than in any prior campaign. This book provides a thorough, interesting explanation of how and why Super PACs were founded. More importantly, the authors examine specific consequences of big money in the 2012 primaries and the general election. Readers will acquire a keen understanding of how individuals and large corporations can use money to influence American political campaigns.

John Allen Hendricks, Stephen F. Austin State University

Smith and Powell have done excellent work building on their 2010 volume on campaign finance reform. No study of political communication and elections can be complete without understanding how the money flows, and this text provides an excellent foundation for understanding that.

William F. Harlow, University of Texas of the Permian Basin