Campaign Finance Law Intact in R-71 Case

A federal judge on Tuesday denied the emergency request by a Washington State political action committee against broader partnership rights for same-sex couples to suspend a ban on large campaign contributions and a requirement to identify donors.

Family PAC filed its lawsuit last week in U.S. district court in Tacoma, according to the Associated Press.

Family PAC claimed two state campaign finance laws violate free speech rights: A ban on donations above $5,000 in the final weeks of an election, and a requirement to identify donors

The committee opposes Referendum 71, which asks Washington voters to approve or reject the expansion of domestic-partnership rights that was signed into law in May by Gov. Christine Gregoire.

State attorneys are defending the voter-approved campaign finance laws. The state also points out that Family PAC waited until voting was already happening to bring its lawsuit.

Family PAC was seeking a temporary restraining order to lift the donation cap and the requirement to identify those who donate at a certain level, reports The Seattle Times.

The suit asked for an expedited hearing in the hope the campaign against the expanded DP rights could accept the large donations before the November 3 election.