Federal campaign law says that individuals may contribute up to $5,200 to the campaign of a congressional candidate. However, the law says the donor can only give $2,600 in the primary season, and may only give $2,600 in the general election season. On July 21, two potential donors filed a lawsuit against the “bifurcation” requirement. They argue that if Congress does not believe that a contribution of $5,200 to a candidate leads to a danger that the candidate will be bribed by the contribution, then there is no rational reason why the donor can’t give the entire $5,200 for the general election campaign season.

The case is Holmes v Federal Election Commission, U.S. District Court, D.C., 1:14cv-01243. Here is the 19-page complaint. Thanks to the Center for Competitive Politics for the link. The plaintiffs happen to live in Florida, but challenges to federal campaign laws are always filed in Washington, D.C. The case will probably be assigned to a 3-judge U.S. District Court, because non-frivolous challenges to federal campaign laws are entitled to a 3-judge court, by act of Congress.