Montana

U.S. Supreme Court delays decision on MT campaign spending law

Posted: Jun 18, 2012 12:00 PM by Marnee Banks - MTN News
Updated: Jun 18, 2012 11:48 AM

The US Supreme Court has delayed a decision on whether or not to take up Montana's campaign spending lawsuit.

In February the court put Montana's ban against corporate political spending on hold.

This week's Supreme Court docket indicates the Justices will deliberate the issue on Thursday and could have a decision next Monday.

American Tradition Partnership is challenging Montana's 100 year old Corrupt Practices Act.

The Montana Supreme Court has upheld the state's law which prohibits corporations from spending money from their corporate bank accounts to influence elections.

Now American Tradition Partnership and a handful of other businesses are challenging the law and asking the high court to overturn Montana's ban.

The Supreme Court could decide to hear the case, it could overturn the Montana Supreme Court ruling without further argument, or it could uphold the Montana Supreme Court ruling.

In any situation, many speculate the 2012 election cycle will proceed as the first election in Montana's history where corporations can spend money to influence state elections.

Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock is defending the Corrupt Practices Act.

He said on Monday that since the court did not announce the fate of Montana's law in the orders it issued this morning, there is little point in speculating as to what the court will ultimately decide.