A lawsuit that could greatly expand the fundraising abilities of political parties will be heard next year by a three-judge panel that provides a direct appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
It was filed by the Louisiana Republican Party and the parish executive committees in Orleans and Jefferson to challenge campaign finance laws that prevent them from having enhanced independent-expenditure accounts that can accept unlimited donations — like super PACs, which are beefed up political action committees.
Handling the case is Jim Bopp, the attorney behind the milestone U.S. Supreme Court case the led to the creation of super PACs.
A section of the suit seeks to allow state and local parties to use soft money (state-regulated) for voter registration, GOTV and other grassroots operations.
The GOP parish executive committees in Jefferson and Orleans argue their hands are tied with hard money (federal funds) for federal election activity within 120 days of voting.
They contend that federal funds are subject to burdensome regulations that oftentimes prevent them from engaging in the kinds of activities required for turning out and informing voters.
A district court decision from the D.C. panel could come down in June and it’s possible that the U.S. Supreme Court decision would arrive by the end of June 2017.
If the party wins in district court, the soft money restrictions could be lifted for the 2016 election.