Attorney General's News Release

March 24, 2000

Nixon asks court to rule on political party contributions so state law could be enforced prior to fall election cycle

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon has filed a motion for summary judgment on a federal court case involving Missouri's limits on contributions by political parties to individual candidates. Nixon is asking the court to issue a ruling in the case of Missouri Republican Party, et al. v. Charles Lamb et al prior to the scheduled trial date in July, so the state may resume enforcing those limits prior to the general election cycle this year.

"A decision on summary judgment could eliminate the need for a lengthy trial," Nixon said. "The inability to enforce this law as we hit prime fundraising time prior to the fall elections means the continuation of unlimited backdoor contributions to candidates from the parties."

Enforcement of the law has been stayed by a January 1999 preliminary injunction imposed by Federal District Court Judge Catherine D. Perry. Earlier this year, Nixon asked the court to vacate the injunction in the wake of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding Missouri's limits on campaign contributions by individuals. That motion was refused.

The law limiting party contributions to individual candidates was approved by bipartisan majorities of both parties in the state Senate in 1994, Nixon noted.

Those limits contained in Missouri law for contributions by political parties are now $11,175 for statewide candidates; $5,600 for candidates for the state Senate; and $2,800 for candidates for the state House of Representatives. Contributions to candidates for other offices are limited by the law to ten times the amount to which individual contributors are limited.

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