A national conservative group is suing the state to overturn new campaign finance limits approved by voters last month.
The Institute for Free Speech filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Portland on Friday, arguing that the citizen’s initiative approved by nearly 75% of voters is unconstitutional. Among other things, the law puts a $5,000 limit on contributions to political action committees.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Dinner Table Action and For Our Future, two political action committees linked to Rep. Laurel Libby, R-Auburn, a top fundraiser for Republican legislative candidates.
The institute says the new law violates the Constitution by limiting free speech and forcing groups to disclose their donors, including those who donate less than $50. The institute says the new law would prevent PACs from spending money they have already raised and unfairly excludes PACs controlled by political parties and those campaigning for ballot questions.
“This unconstitutional law …