On March 21, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Cao v Federal Election Commission, 10-776, a case filed by the national Republican Party and by former Congressman Joseph Cao of New Orleans, concerning federal campaign finance law. The party had argued that the part of the McCain-Feingold law that inhibits political party spending on its own nominees, as interpreted by the Federal Election Commission, is too strict. The lower courts had rejected the party’s arguments, mostly on the grounds that the U.S. Supreme Court had already upheld these rules. Many observers had expected the U.S. Supreme Court to hear this case.

The California Republican Party is holding a state convention in Sacramento March 18-20. According to this news story, the party is likely to begin holding its own primary, at its own expense, beginning in 2014. The party would postally mail a ballot to all registered Republicans, in advance of the June government primary. The results would determine which Republican would be endorsed by the party, and the endorsed Republican candidates would be the beneficiary of party support at the polls in June and November.

The private primary ballot will cost a great deal to administer. However, apparently the party hopes that Republican registrants will respond to the mail ballot, not only with a vote, but with a donation to the party.