U.S. Court strikes down part of McCain-Feingold Campaign Law

[RandDisciple]

reported 15:38 bloomberg news

[Dan from Michigan]

The court also ruled unconstitutional new restrictions on election-time political ads by special interest groups and others. It barred the federal government from enforcing them and all other parts of the law it struck down.

THANK GOD!!!!

[NittanyLion]

My guess would be the only part left standing is the upping of the hard money contributions which are inflation adjusted annually now as well.

It would appear that way.

[aristeides]

Looks like you can start writing your brief.

[Wphile]

So, who's the one that voted for both provisions? A clinton appointee no doubt.

[RAT Patrol]

The only sad point is that one of the three judges would have actually upheld this crappy, unconstitutional law.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

OF course, this must just be dumb luck for Bush, since he is so stupid, right?

'Zactly!

[mabelkitty]

That is great news.

Gives me some faith today.

[NittanyLion]

And from what I've read, the "part" that would be left if this is upheld, totally favors the GOP.

If true, and if SCOTUS doesn't reverse this ruling, than I will be thrilled to admit my worrying was over nothing.

I have to say though, I still don't like the idea of political gamesmanship over fundamental rights...

[aristeides]

It's a special three-judge court.

[mwl1]

In fairness, it is also true that the soft money ban hurt the RATS much more than the GOP, so its invalidation helps the RATS, particularly labor union activity and spending.

On the other hand, no law was going to stop the RATS from cheating and breaking the law, anyway, so it is probably a wash.

[Wphile]

The ruling came from a special three-member, fast-track panel of Appeals Court Judge Karen Henderson, District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly and District Judge Richard Leon.

The votes were 2-1 so some idiot wanted to uphold it.

[justshe]

There are going to be quite a few on this forum that just lost one of their 'cornerstone' issues for bashing Bush.

THIS IS GREAT NEWS!

[RAT Patrol]

OF course, this must just be dumb luck for Bush, since he is so stupid, right? Bush is not stupid and I never said he was. He should not have gambled with the constitution, however. Yes, he was lucky. One of the judges (out of only three), voted to uphold the law. Bush is not a psychic. He did not "know" anything. If you follow that through you would also have to conclude that Bush lied when he said he thought it was a good bill. He is either a liar, by your definition, or a gambler.

Anyway, let's just celebrate the win.

[rockinonritalin]

Sadly, this bill needed to pass and be ruled unconstituional to put this thing to bed for good. Ignorant journalists and politicians, like McCain and Feingold, were going to continue use this issue primarily against Republicans in the future. Now it is done. No more discussion.

[AdamSelene235]

Anyone who passes or enforces an unconstitutional law should be stripped of their office.

[Wphile]

Yep.

[goldstategop]

The one judge who upheld the entire law happened to be a Bill Clinton appointee.

[Dog]

The court also ruled unconstitutional new restrictions on election-time political ads by special interest groups and others. It barred the federal government from enforcing them and all other parts of the law it struck down.

This is bigger than we could imagine!

[RAT Patrol]

I thought labor unions received some exemption for this horrible law anyway.

[Wphile]

Well, when he signed it, he said he has some questions about the constitutionality of it. He did the right thing because now it's settled - of course, they will appeal and lose there too - and can't be used as a stupid campaign issue.