HUNTINGTON BEACH : Judge Leaves Campaign Donation Law in Effect
A U.S. District Court judge this week refused to prevent the city from enforcing its campaign contribution limit before Tuesday’s election.
“The ordinance remains in effect and enforceable--and the city would enforce it if anyone would violate it,” said Santa Monica attorney Fredric D. Woocher.
Woocher was recently hired to assist the city in defending a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of its campaign reform ordinance, which took effect in January.
The lawsuit challenges the city’s $300 limit on the amount an individual can contribute to a committee that uses the money to make independent expenditures for or against city candidates.
Jim Righeimer, one of the people who filed the lawsuit, sought an immediate restraining order to lift the contribution limit before Tuesday’s election. Righeimer, who is a Fountain Valley resident, contended that the limit violates his right to free speech.
The city attorney’s office asked that the case be dismissed, but a judge in early October denied that motion.
Righeimer said he plans to continue his court fight.
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