Georgia Campaign Finance Law Favoring Incumbents Halted by Court

Georgia’s unique “leadership committee” campaign finance system unlawfully advantages politicians over private individuals running for office, the Eleventh Circuit ruled Friday, affirming a lower court’s preliminary injunction.

The state’s unlimited fundraising and spending vehicle, reserved only for select politicians including the governor and lieutenant governor, violates the First Amendment rights of challengers for those offices, according to a three-judge panel on the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

“We agree with each district court that has addressed the First Amendment question: our Constitution does not allow States to favor some candidates over others with different contribution limits. Whatever ...