On May 1, George McDonald, a Republican candidate for Mayor of New York city, lost his lawsuit over whether the amount of money an individual may contribute to a Mayoral candidate is $41,000 or $4,950. McDonald v New York City Campaign Finance Board, 100038/2013, New York County.

New York state law sets the donation limit at $41,000, but the city’s own campaign finance law sets it at $4,950. McDonald argued that it is legitimate for the city to impose the lower limit on candidates who qualify for public funding (a city program), but the lower amount cannot be imposed on candidates not participating in public funding. The city has used public funding for city office since 1988. The city amended its public financing law in 2004 to impose the lower limits on all candidates, not just participating candidates. Here is a more detailed story about the decision, which includes a link to the decision.