Federal judge blocks W.Va. PAC contribution limit - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

Federal judge blocks W.Va. PAC contribution limit

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia can no longer limit contributions to independent expenditure political action committees.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Johnston blocked the state on Thursday from enforcing its per-election cap of $1,000.

Johnston granted a preliminary injunction request from Stay the Course West Virginia, an independent expenditure PAC, and two of its potential donors. They allege the cap is unconstitutional.

State election officials argue the cap addresses concerns about the corrupting influence of political contributions.

But lawyers for the plaintiffs cite recent federal rulings that have found these caps violate free speech rights.

Stay the Course seeks larger contributions for plans to support certain incumbents and target their opponents in the upcoming general election.

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