JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments today in a case that could overturn the ability of political donors to make unlimited contributions to candidates.

Earlier this year, a lower court rejected an attempt from a failed state representative candidate – James Trout of Webster Groves – to have the unlimited contributions language thrown out.

The Missouri General Assembly passed a wide-ranging ethics bill in 2006 that, among other things, counteracted an earlier initiative petition that imposed limits on campaign contributions. An amendment placed into the bill by Sen. Tim Green, D-St. Louis County, stripped out the limits.

Trout was successful at getting a ban on fundraising during the legislative session removed on constitutional grounds – something that Attorney General Jay Nixon’s office says they will not appeal. But Trout was not successful at overturning the entire law. As a result, legislative candidates can now take unlimited contributions during the legislative session.

The plaintiffs in the case have made the argument that the bill’s title – in this case related to “ethics” – is overly broad and therefore unconstitutional. Read more…

Related:

Missourinet Audio: “State Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Campaign Contributions Law”

Comments

comments