Super PAC sues Louisiana Board of Ethics over campaign donation limits

NEW ORLEANS – A state political action committee that supports conservative candidates is suing the Louisiana Board of Ethics for allegedly violating right to free speech associated with political contributions above limits set in place by state law.

The Fund for Louisiana’s Future filed suit against the Louisiana Board of Ethics; M. Blake Monrose, in his official capacity as chair of the Louisiana Board of Ethics; Julie E. Blewer, in her official capacity as vice chair of the Louisiana Board of Ethics; and board member of the Louisiana Board of Ethics including Terry Blackhaus, Charles Emile Bruneau Jr., Jean Ingrassia, William J. Larzelere Jr., Louis Leggio, Steve Lemke, Bob McAnelly, Ashley Kennedy Shelton and Grove Stafford in the U.S. Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on Feb. 18.

The Fund for Louisiana’s Future alleges that a state law disallowing political action committees from receiving more than $100,000 from a Louisiana resident is a violation of both the individual's and the committee’s right to free speech and in particular limits their political speech. The plaintiff asserts that the law governing the contribution limits should not be enforced as it infringe’s on basic rights.

In the filing, The Fund for Louisiana’s Future states it was by founded Charles R. Spies and is committed to support conservative candidates in the state through TV, internet and phone advertisements. The plaintiff filed the lawsuit after Donald T. Bollinger wanted to make a contribution of $125,000, but was denied the ability to do so by state law.

The defendant is accused of enforcing an unconstitutional law.

The plaintiff seeks to have an injunction against enforcement of the law determining contribution  limits.

The Fund for Louisiana’s Future is represented by Harry T. Rosenberg of New Orleans-based Phelps Dunbar LLP.

The case has been assigned to U.S Federal Judge Jay C. Zainey.

Case no. 2:14-cv-00368.