Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley says spending by the so-called super PACs is out of control this election season.

Speaking on OPB's "Think Out Loud," the Democrat championed a proposed constitutional amendment that now has the backing of 22 Senators. It would give Congress the power to regulate the raising and spending of campaign funds.

Merkley said, "The Bill of Rights is about the rights of the people. It's not about those who are governing a financial organization to be able to commandeer the assets of that organization on behalf of their personal views."

Merkley lambasted the US Supreme Court for its ruling on the Citizens United case. That case lifted many of the limitations that had previously been placed on campaign spending.