On April 27, the ACLU filed a major brief in Green Party of Ct. v Garfield, federal court, no. 3:06-cv-1030. This is the case that challenges Connecticut’s severely discriminatory “clean elections” law. Unlike the Maine and Arizona clean elections laws (which treat all candidates alike if they get enough private $5 donations), the Connecticut law gives generous public funding to Democratic and Republican nominees (if they get enough $5 contributions), but requires petitions of up to 20% for others to qualify, even if they also get the required number of $5 contributions. The state is trying to persuade the federal court to dismiss the case without even holding a trial. The ACLU’s brief argues against that motion. The state has asked for more time to respond.