But if you do something in the corporate name, then aren’t you speaking on behalf of the corporation, not yourself? Many corporations say things on behalf of the shareholders’ interests that they might not necessarily believe themselves, because it is their job as an officer of the corporation.
A corporation is a collection of employees and investors.
Corporations may decide to speak collectively for its interest and back those that support its interest, and that should be a right (free speech and all).
Are labor unions bound by the campaign finance law, too? I don't know. But I don't see anyone on the left going to argue labor unions should be muzzled by those same laws that bind corporations. I do know there should be no limits on who wants to spend what during a campaign. None.
Regarding corporations, if the shareholders don't agree with what the corporation is doing, then the shareholders can fire the leadership.
“Many corporations say things on behalf of shareholder's interest they might not necessarily believe. . .” is a dangerous thing. If they say/do such things, if a corporate spokesman or executive speaks wrongly about the performance of the corporation, they can (and many do) go to jail.
No corporation executive or spokesman is forced to say anything they disagree with. . .they choose to say “My product is best,” or even say such-and-such law (or politician) is bad for the industry. If they don't believe that, then they can quit.
Corporations have PACs to look out for their interests and that is a good thing. Just who do you think are the experts in the market or who would speak on behalf of the corporation? Congress? No way, as those idiots only know what they are told by their ivy-league know-everythings (about the age of 25). It is the corporations that have the experts, engineers, program managers, strategic thinkers in the market area. These guys engage congress to make them understand the issues.
Executives of corporations are not forced to join a PAC, not are they forced to contribute. Major corporations have no time to chase down all the execs that don't contribute. I corporation I work for has about a 15% PAC contribution rate. That's all, and we are pretty standard in the industry.