HELENA — Montana’s campaign contribution limits will stay in place for the June 5 primary elections after a federal appeals court decided against revisiting the issue.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Wednesday it would not reconsider its October ruling upholding contribution limits for state races.
The decision is part of a long-running lawsuit over claims that Montana’s limits are so low that they restrict donors’ free-speech rights.
The 9th Circuit ruled that the limits prevent corruption or the appearance of corruption.
That means donors this year can give no more than $180 per election to candidates in legislative, Public Service Commission or other state races.
Donors to U.S House and Senate candidates are capped at $2,700 per election under federal limits.