News
Caps To PACs In WV Ruled Unconstitutional
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
A federal judge says West Virginia's cap on contributions to political action committees is unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Johnston cited the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that found campaign contributions by corporations are protected speech under the First Amendment.
Johnston's ruling came in a lawsuit filed by Stay the Course West Virginia and two of its potential donors against Secretary of State Natalie Tennant. The lawsuit challenged the state's $1,000-per-election cap on contributions to PACs that spend independently of candidates.
Media outlets report that Johnston issued his ruling Tuesday.
Tennant had argued that the cap serves the public interest by limiting the perceived influence of campaign cash. She said Wednesday that she disagrees with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling but she will not appeal Johnston's decision.