NEW YORK—A Super PAC supporting Republican mayoral candidate Joe Lhota was struck a blow on Thursday when a District Judge ruled against raising the state’s restriction on individual political contributions.
The group, New York Progress and Protection PAC (NYPPP), asked the judge for a temporary injunction so people could contribute more than the $150,000 contribution limit set by campaign finance laws. They hoped by skirting the law, they could raise larger sums of cash to support Lhota’s campaign.
In his 14-page ruling, Judge Paul Crotty denied the request, saying the timing of the request would rush a decision that could have implications on future PACs.
“Today’s ruling is a clear victory for those who believe that every voter should have an equal voice in our democracy, and that New York’s campaign finance law is unquestionably constitutional,” said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in a statement.
“Campaign finance laws protect the integrity and fairness of elections and help ensure that individuals—not wealth or corporations—are represented in our system of government.”
