On October 21, a group that opposes Washington state’s R-71 (the November 2009 ballot measure on civil unions) filed a federal lawsuit against certain state campaign finance laws. One law requires the disclosure of names and addresses of everyone who contributes as much as $25 to a committee formed to support or oppose ballot measures. Another law requires similar information, plus the occupation, employer’s name, and employer’s address, for people who contribute as much as $100. Finally, the lawsuit challenges the law that makes it illegal for anyone to give more than $5,000 to a campaign for or against an initiative during the 21 days preceding an election. The case is Family PAC v Reed, C09-5662, western district.
If this lawsuit wins quick injunctive relief, of course, both sides on the measure might benefit.
Any King George III efforts in 1761-1776 to have lists of folks in favor of independence of the then American colonies — and how much such folks were spending in support of any pro- independence speechs, press, assemblies and petitions ???
Secret ballots but NOT secret petitions and donations ??? Stay tuned.