Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Catharine Richert

Group sues to overturn Minnesota campaign finance law

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

On the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court decision last week that overturned total caps on how much individual donors can give to candidates and parties, the Minnesota branch of the Institute for Justice has filed a federal lawsuit that challenges state campaign laws.

Minnesota donors can give to as many individual candidates, parties and political funds they want to. But certain caps do apply to campaigns.

According to Minnesota law, candidates can only accept limited dollars from lobbyists, political committees and large donors. For instance, this year's gubernatorial candidates can only accept $700,000 from what are called special sources.

The plaintiffs, who include State Rep. Linda Runbeck, R-Circle Pines, argue that these limits violate free speech. They're hoping the recent Supreme Court decision in McCutcheon vs. FEC will help bolster their case.

“The law is supposed to treat everyone equally,” Institute for Justice attorney Katelynn McBride said in a statement. “But Minnesota plays favorites by allowing some people to donate twice as much to a candidate as other people."