Federal Judge Strikes Down North Carolina's Rescue Funds Provision Of Public Financing Program Print
State Government
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Monday, 21 May 2012 15:36

RALEIGH, (AP) — A federal judge has struck down portions of North Carolina's public financing program for appellate court candidates that gives extra funds to participants when privately-financed candidates start outspending them.

 
U.S. District Court Judge Louise Flanagan agreed with lawyers for two political committees who said the matching fund provisions are similar to those in an Arizona program thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court last year.
Candidates who participate in the public financing program get "rescue" funds when they start getting outspent. Committees associated with North Carolina Right to Life said they hadn't contributed to any judicial campaigns since 2006 for fear the donations would trigger matching funds for opposing candidates.
 
The State Board of Elections already had decided in December not to offer any matching funds to candidates in 2012.
Last Updated on Monday, 21 May 2012 15:36