Citizen groups in New Jersey are urging Congress to overturn a U-S Supreme Court ruling that allows unlimited political contributions by corporations and labor unions.

Peter Skopec with the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group says the Citizens United ruling distorts democracy.

He says the money 32 billionaires and corporations gave to so-called Super PACs matched the amount that 3.7 million other people donated to the Obama and Romney Presidential campaigns combined.

 “When individuals have the opportunity to spend millions of dollars on the election it minimizes the contributions of ordinary citizens and allows mega donors to directly translate their wealth into political power.”

Princeton Mayor Liz Lampert says the Citizens United ruling is changing democracy at every level of government.

“Unlimited spending by often secret outside sources is undermining the principle of one person one vote. By giving unlimited political influence to those who can pay for it Citizens United threatens to drown out the voices of average citizens.”

Princeton is one of nine New Jersey towns to pass resolutions calling for the Citizens United decision to be overturned.

Supporters are hoping that local efforts will encourage Congress to act.