http://www.moago.org/012400.htm - Article recreated; Written by Office of Missouri Attorney General, Jeremiah W. Jay Nixon, 1-24-00

Jefferson City, MO - Attorney General Jay Nixon said today's ruling by the United States Supreme Court upholds Missouri's limits on campaign contributions and clears the way nationally for meaningful campaign finance reform.  Nixon argued on Oct. 5 in front of the high court in favor of keeping Missouri's contribution limits, which were passed by the general Assembly in 1994.

"This is a big win for the state of Missouri and a landmark decision that turns the tide nationally for campaign reform efforts," Nixon said.  "As of today, Missouri's laws limiting campaign contributions are reinstated and the court has spoken for the first time in a generation to provide direction to this important good government issue. The Supreme Court has clearly said that reasonable contribution limits do not unfairly limit the speech of the donor or the candidate."

The court's ruling today upholds the 1976 ruling in Buckley v. Valeo and reaffirms its previous position that the government is entitled to enact such limits to prevent corruption and the perception of corruption, Nixon said.

"Campaign limits are an important way to protect the integrity of the electoral process," Nixon said.  "This ruling sets the record straight that campaign contribution limits can be used to help protect and reform the electoral process.  We can take pro-active measures to prevent our government from being bought and sold to the highest bidder."  Nixon said campaign reform efforts throughout the country had been stifled by the ruling out of the 8th circuit court of appeals which overthrew Missouri's campaign contribution limits.

Furthermore, Nixon said, the court clarified that the $1,000 contribution discussed in Buckley is neither a floor nor a ceiling for future campaign finance reform.  "Prior to today's ruling, many jurisdictions were reluctant to enact campaign finance limits below $1,000." Nixon said.  "For the first time the court has specified that local jurisdictions may choose to set limits below $1,000."

Nixon said Missouri's limits are in effect immediately. The limits are $1,075 for statewide office, $525 to state senate candidates and $275 to candidates for state representatives.

"Missourians made it clear they support campaign limits in 1994 when 74 percent of all voters supported a referendum imposing limits.  It is important that the Supreme Court recognize and respect the wishes of Missourians who feel strongly about this good government issue."