Attorney General's News Release

February 22, 2000

U.S. Supreme Court reinforces message on contribution limits

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon said today's actions by the U.S. Supreme Court in two cases reinforce the state's request to begin implementing Missouri campaign contribution limits for individuals and for parties. In letters sent to both the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals and the federal district court, Nixon notes the rulings.

The Court today vacated the 8th Circuit ruling which had invalidated Missouri campaign contribution limits at every level, a move that amplified the Court's Jan. 24 ruling in Nixon v. Shrink to uphold Missouri's contribution limits of $1,075 for statewide races. Attorneys for Shrink had filed opposition to the ruling, claiming that the Supreme Court victory for the state did not apply to the lower limits of $525 for state Senate races and $275 for candidates for the state House of Representatives.

"To the extent there was ever any doubt that the Supreme Court had upheld Missouri limits at every level, the ruling today negates that position," Nixon said.

In light of Nixon v. Shrink, the Court also refused cert in an Alaska case, which had set limits on the amount parties can donate to candidates. The Missouri Republican Party case, currently before the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, challenges the constitutionality of Missouri's limits on contributions to candidates from political party committees. In State of Alaska v. Alaska Civil Liberties Union, the Alaska Supreme Court upheld similar limits in that state's laws.

"The court's refusal to hear this case supports our position that such limits are constitutional in Missouri and are an important means to close loopholes for getting around individual limits," Nixon said.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818