2003

McConnell et al v. FEC et al

full text of decision

Mitch McConnell

BCRA faced major challenges from a host of litigants. McConnell v. FEC consolidated twelve lawsuits involving more than 80 plaintiffs. Mitch McConnell, a Republican U.S. senator from Kentucky and the current majority leader, has long been in favor of liberalizing restrictions on campaign contributions. The Supreme Court’s decision was considered a win for campaign reformers. A 5-to-4 majority upheld most of the law, including key provisions relating to political party soft money and electioneering communications. The court, however, invalidated its prohibition on contributions from minors age 17 and under.

The suits joined together under McConnell were:

  • No. 02-1674, McConnell et al. v. Federal Election Commission et al.
  • No. 02-1675, National Rifle Association et al. v. Federal Election Commission et al.
  • No. 02-1676, Federal Election Commission et al. v. McConnell, United States Senator, et al.
  • No. 02-1702, McCain, United States Senator, et al. v. McConnell, United States Senator,
  • No. 02-1727, Republican National Committee et al. v. Federal Election Commission et al.
  • No. 02-1733, National Right to Life Committee, Inc., et al. v. Federal Election Commission et al.
  • No. 02-1734, American Civil Liberties Union v. Federal Election Commission et al.
  • No. 02-1740, Adams et al. v. Federal Election Commission et al.
  • No. 02-1747, Paul, United States Congressman, et al. v. Federal Election Commission et al.
  • No. 02-1753, California Democratic Party et al. v. Federal Election Commission et al.
  • No. 02-1755, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations et al. v. Federal Election Commission et al.
  • No. 02-1756, Chamber of Commerce of the United States et al. v. Federal Election Commission et al.

Attorneys for the appellants:

  • Kenneth W. Starr
  • Floyd Abrams
  • Bobby R. Burchfield
  • Laurence E. Gold
  • Jay Alan Sekulow

Attorneys for the appellees:

  • Theodore B. Olson, Solicitor General
  • Paul D. Clement, Deputy Solicitor General
  • Seth P. Waxman, argued the cause for the intervenor-defendants

Source: Oyez

Amicus/intervenor filings:

  • For a list of amicus and intervenor filings, visit the Campaign Legal Center’s resource here.

Source: Campaign Legal Center