SpeechNow.org v. FEC

A federal appeals court in Boston heard arguments over Maine's 2024 referendum limiting contributions to super PACs, testing whether such regulations can survive the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. The case could advance to the Supreme Court if the appeals court rules in favor of Maine's law, which sets a $5,000 cap on donations to independently spending PACs.

A U.S. Appeals Court in Boston heard arguments about Maine's voter-approved $5,000 cap on super PAC contributions, with judges appearing open to the idea but cautious about reconciling it with the Citizens United ruling. The case centers on whether contribution limits for independent expenditure PACs violate the First Amendment, as previous courts have largely ruled against such restrictions.

The Supreme Court struck down a law limiting coordinated spending by political parties in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission, a decision criticized by Democrats and left-leaning groups as favoring donors and special interests. The author argues the ruling could strengthen political parties, reduce reliance on super PACs, and improve transparency in campaign finance.