Joe Lhota got some very good news Thursday from a federal appeals court that lifted New York’s $ 150,000 annual limit on individual contributions to political action committees — including the one that has been itching to promote Lhota’s candidacy in the mayor’s race.
The ruling by the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals means that a pro-Lhota PAC can accept $ 200,000 pledged by Alabama businessman and GOP activist Shaun McCutcheon — and possibly much more from wealthy donors who want to help the Republican Lhota defeat front-running Democrat Bill de Blasio.
The New York Progress and Protection PAC filed suit in September to overturn the state limit based on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the “Citizens United” case, which lifted restrictions on political spending by corporations, unions and special-interest groups.
Manhattan Federal Judge Paul Crotty initially refused to grant a preliminary injunction against New York’s law, but was unanimously overruled by a three-judge panel at the appeals court.
Second Circuit Chief Judge Dennis Jacobs, who wrote Thursday’s decision, said New York Progress “has a substantial likelihood of success on the merits,” noting that since Citizens United, every federal appeals court that’s “addressed this issue” has ruled against contribution limits.
“The hardship faced by NYPPP and its donors from the denial of relief is significant,” Jacobs wrote.
“Every sum that a donor is forbidden to contribute to NYPPP because of this statue reduces constitutionally protected political speech.”
The PAC’s lawyer, Mike Carvin, said the group was “obviously very pleased” by the ruling and “also grateful they did it in sufficient time that we can still participate in the New York City mayoral election.”
He also said that while “time is very short” before the November 5 election, the group would make a “vigorous effort” to raise additional funds “to speak in support of Mr. Lhota.”
Terry Pell of the Center for Individual Rights, who also worked on the PAC’s case, added: “With this decision, New York City voters will now get a more democratic mayoral race, one with an even financial playing field.”
According to its latest filing with the city Campaign Finance Board, Lhota’s campaign only had about $ 985,000 on hand, compared to $ 1.8 million held by de Blasio.
De Blasio spokeswoman Lis Smith blasted the appeals court ruling, saying: “Today’s decision will empower the right-wing billionaires, like the Koch Brothers, and Tea Party groups who support Joe Lhota to drown out the voices of New Yorkers. The stakes are too high to let the same Republican extremists who shut down the government hijack the mayoral election.”
Lhota’s campaign declined to comment.
Yahoo Local News – New York Post
http://newyork.greatlocalnews.info/?p=16304
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