On February 16, U.S. District Court Judge Irma Gonzalez enjoined a San Diego city ordinance that makes it illegal for political parties to contribute any money to candidates for city office. All California city elections are non-partisan. Thalheimer v City of San Diego, 09-cv-2862.

There were other issues in the case. The judge also enjoined a city ordinance that made it illegal for a candidate to spend his or her own money on the campaign more than 12 months before the election. And, she enjoined a city ordinance that made it illegal for individuals to donate more than $500 to a committee that is making independent expenditures for or against any candidates for city office. She declined to enjoin other ordinances: (1) one that makes it illegal for a candidate to receive contributions more than 12 months before the election; (2) one that makes it illegal for groups, other than political parties, to contribute directly to a candidate; (3) the $500 contribution limit from individuals to candidates for city office. Thanks to Rick Hasen for this news.