Bopp Takes Alaska Electioneering Communications Case to High Court

According to BNA: How much can states regulate political messages? It is a question asked by Attorney Jim Bopp has filed a petition for a Supreme Court review in a case involving Alaska Right to Life committee. The group (a 501(c)(4)) argues that it can sponsor political messages without being required to use a PAC. Alaska unconstitutionally imposes PAC-style restrictions on those that make "electioneering communications," including nonprofit corporations, the Alaska Right to Life petition to the Supreme Court argues. Under federal law, anyone making an "electioneering communication" need only file a one-time report of the activity to the FEC. But, Alaska treats these organizations the same as it treats PACs by requiring prior registration and mandating ongoing periodic reporting of all the group's contributors and expenditures, the petition says.
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