BREAKING: Judge Rules on Campaign Finance in Illinois, Denied Effort to Stop Enforcement

I wanted to give you a late-breaking update about our legal effort to give everyone an equal voice in Illinois elections.

Earlier today, a federal district court judge denied our effort to stop the enforcement of Illinois’ campaign finance law. This case, brought by the Liberty Justice Center on behalf of Illinois Liberty PAC and Edgar Bachrach, challenges the law because it violates free speech rights protected by the U.S. Constitution.

The law places limits on political contributions during a general, statewide election – except when political parties or political leaders made these contributions. The practical result of this law is that political parties, party bosses and party leaders enjoy unlimited donations and give unlimited amounts to candidates of their choosing. Meanwhile, candidates who do not have the backing of party bosses face steep limits, which make it difficult – if not impossible – to take on incumbents and entrenched interests.

We always knew this would be an uphill battle, and we’re pressing forward. Political speech is the primary object of First Amendment protection, and the lifeblood of our republic.

The Liberty Justice Center will be filing an emergency motion with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals to enjoin the enforcement of the statute so that the plaintiffs and all Illinoisans can exercise their right to free speech during the current election cycle and beyond.

A copy of the ruling and all case filings are available at libertyjusticecenter.org.

John Tillman
CEO

P.S. If you’d like to support the Liberty Justice Center as they appeal today’s ruling, you can make a tax-deductible contribution to further free speech and free association.