Nearly 100 protesters participated in a national effort to express their outrage over a Supreme Court decision that has allowed corporations greater access to the political process by "occupying" Sacramento's federal courthouse Friday.

Occupy Sacramento protesters were joined by activists from as far as Lake County. A busload from Nevada County also took part.

The protest, held on the two-year anniversary of the Citizens United court decision, was part of a plan to hold occupy rallies at courthouses in cities across the nation.

Frigid weather kept turnout light in many cities, the Associated Press reported. In San Francisco, about 11 arrests were made as some demonstrators chained themselves to Wells Fargo Bank's headquarters, and about a dozen were arrested after confronting police in Washington, D.C., the AP said.

The Citizens United ruling allowed private groups, including corporations and unions, to spend huge amounts on political campaigns with few restrictions.

"You don't know who is contributing money," said protester Rosalinda Martinez, a Woodland resident. Martinez said she was gratified to learn that others were also upset about the court decision.

"I can't compete with a corporation giving millions of dollars," she said. "Who are they going to listen to?"

The decision led to the creation of super PACs, which can spend unlimited money influencing elections as long as they are not directly tied to a candidate.

While Friday's protesters targeted corporate activity, conservatives point out the influence of unions, particularly public employee unions, on the political process.

Veteran GOP strategist Sal Russo said corporations and other entities should be allowed to contribute directly to candidates, with full and immediate disclosure required.

"Money is going to find its way into politics one way or another," Russo said. He said years of campaign finance reform "have completely made the problem worse."

After gathering at Cesar Chavez Plaza across from City Hall during a light but steady rain, the Sacramento protesters began a march to the courthouse at 11 a.m. At the courthouse, they chanted, sang songs and spoke out against the ruling, before about half left their signs outside and peacefully "occupied" the courthouse. Armed officers stood watch as the group chatted and ate snacks in the spacious ground floor lobby.

Gary Fitzgerald, a local organizer for Move to Amend, the grass-roots group that organized the national event, said an effort to support a constitutional amendment overturning the Citizens United ruling is picking up momentum.

Tim Williams came from Clearlake in Lake County to participate. He said he's been concerned about a series of court decision that favor corporations over people.

He suggested voters use support for the amendment as a litmus test for candidates.

Sharon Delgado, of Nevada City, said she owed it to her grandchildren to speak out against the court decision.

"I want my grandchildren to have a future," Delgado said. "Corporations don't have a conscience, so they shouldn't be influencing politics."

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