Decision on campaign ads could alter race

WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- Political analysts say last week's U.S. Supreme Court decision loosening rules on political advertising could greatly alter the race in 2008.

Experts -- including campaign finance specialists and interest groups -- predict a surge in well-funded television ad campaigns for candidates in the 2008 presidential race, The Boston Globe reported.

The Supreme Court ruling eliminates restrictions on who can fund ads about candidates in the 30 days before primaries and the 60 days before general elections.

Prior to the ruling, companies and non-profits had to adhere to strict regulations when running ads during the sensitive times prior to an election.

Experts say companies and non-profits can now run aggressive ads on issues ranging from gay marriage to gun control, the Globe reported.

"The floodgates are pretty much open," said Arn Pearson, campaign reform director for Common Cause, a good-government group that favored retaining the restrictions.