James Madison Center for Free Speech
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The James Madison Center for Free Speech is a legal defense organization in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States[1][2] devoted to challenging legal restrictions on money in politics, such as limits on campaign contributions.[3]
The James Madison Center was founded by Republican Senator Mitch McConnell in 1997 with help from Betsy and Richard DeVos.[1][2][4] Its general counsel is James Bopp.[5][6] The non-profit was founded to protect political expression as part of the First Amendment and to counter the American Civil Liberties Union's campaign finance work.[7][8] The Center provides free legal services to underfunded clients, however most funds go to Bopp's law firm.[8]
In 2020, the Corporate Officers and Board of Directors of the Center are: Wanda Franz, President; Darla St. Martin, Secretary; and David N. O’Steen, Treasurer.[9] The Board doesn't play an active role in governing the organization, delegating management to Bopp.[8]
It has supported the recognition of the Ten Commandments as one of America's founding texts.[10] It opposed a measure proposed by the Federal Election Commission to ban nonprofits from expressing views on public policy.[11]