Attorney General's News Release

January 4, 2002

Court reinstates Missouri campaign finance laws

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Republican Party's attempt to reverse an appeals court decision upholding a Missouri law limiting political party contributions to candidates was rejected today by the entire 8th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Today's ruling prevents the reopening of a loophole carved out by a lawsuit brought by the Missouri Republican Party; the loophole allowed unlimited contributions to candidates when funneled through a political party.

The court's reversal follows an appeal in January 2001 by Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon to the U.S. Supreme Court, a June Supreme Court ruling vacating the lower court's previous decision and remanding the case for reconsideration, and a Nov. 2 decision by a three judge panel upholding the Missouri law.

"This is a fight that should have ended long ago," Nixon said. We hope that this will be the last of the Republican Party's attempts to thwart the will of the people on this important campaign reform issue."

The current limits on party contributions for each election cycle are:

• $11,175 for statewide office holders;
• $5,600 for state senator;
• $2,800 for state representative;
• $2,750 for candidates for other offices in voting districts with a population under 100,000;
• $5,500 for candidates for other offices in voting districts with a population of more than 100,000 but less than 250,000; and
• $11,125 for candidates for other offices in voting districts with a population of at least 250,000.

In 1999, Nixon argued in the U.S. Supreme Court and successfully defended Missouri law setting limits on contributions by individuals to candidates. Party limit contributions were challenged by the Missouri Republican Party, despite bipartisan support from the legislature in 1994. The challenge was the last remaining issue in litigation stemming from the 1994 laws.

The court's reversal follows a Supreme Court ruling in FEC v Colorado Republican, which upheld similar federal laws limiting the amounts parties can spend in coordination with their candidates.

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