Attorney General's News Release

June 29, 2001

U.S. Supreme Court vacates appeals court ruling against Missouri campaign laws; Nixon files to have law enforced

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon took legal action today to resume enforcement of a Missouri law that limits contributions from political parties to individual candidates. Nixon asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit to vacate a September 2000 order that prevents enforcement of Missouri's law while it is being challenged on appeal.

Nixon's actions immediately followed a U.S. Supreme Court order earlier today to vacate the appellate court's decision in the Missouri case and to remand the case for re-consideration in light of Monday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a similar case. The Supreme Court ruled against a Colorado Republican committee's challenge to a similar federal law. The challenge to the Missouri law came from the Missouri Republican party.

"The Court's ruling in the Colorado case and its vacating the appellate court's ruling in the Missouri case strongly indicates the Republican Party cannot prevail on any theory that would prevent Missouri from limiting the flow of large sums to candidates through political party committees," Nixon said. "The Republican Party should end its legal challenges and stop being obstructionist on this important good government issue. Both parties need to now abide by the limits, which have been supported overwhelmingly by the people of Missouri and the Missouri legislature."

Nixon won an earlier campaign contribution limit case at the U.S. Supreme Court upholding Missouri's limits on campaign contributions from individuals. That case, Nixon v Shrink, was cited in the Colorado case.

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