WASHINGTON >> Hawaii Right to Life has asked a federal court to block enforcement of political ad restrictions in the new campaign finance law, saying they are blocking the group from expressing its views on two special 2nd Congressional District elections. Isle Right to Life fights
political ad restrictionsThe legal battle revolves around new campaign laws
By Sharon Theimer
Associated PressThe Hawaii elections Nov. 30 and Jan. 4 to fill a vacancy created by the death of Democratic Rep. Patsy Mink are the first conducted under the new law.
One key provision prohibits a range of interest groups from airing political ads that mention federal candidates close to elections.
Hawaii Right to Life asked a federal court in Washington to block the Federal Election Commission from enforcing the restrictions, which it says violate its free-speech rights.
Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway in Hawaii turned down the group's lawsuit to challenge a similar state campaign-spending reporting restriction on a voter guide for the general election.
It also asked the court to overturn FEC rules defining the types of ads nonprofit groups can air without having to report their donations and spending to the commission, arguing they are unconstitutional.
No hearing date was immediately set. The group has asked U.S. District Judge Henry Kennedy to rule on the request Monday. It hopes to start airing ads in Hawaii on Tuesday, said James Bopp Jr., general counsel for the Indiana-based James Madison Center for Free Speech, which is representing Hawaii Right to Life in its request.
A three-judge panel in the same federal court is considering several lawsuits that say the new law is unconstitutional and should be overturned. Those suing include the National Right to Life Committee, the AFL-CIO, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Republican National Committee.
The law took effect Nov. 6. The law's cornerstone is a ban on unlimited "soft money" contributions from unions, corporations and others to national party committees and the use of soft money in federal elections.