The Alaska Public Offices Commission scheduled a special meeting for 2 pm Wednesday, Nov. 20 to update the commissioners on the status of Donna Patrick, et al. v. Interior Voters for John Coghill.
In October, an Anchorage Superior Court judge extended Alaska’s $500 contribution limits to not just campaigns, but to independent political speech. Judge William Morse ruled that the $500 limit also applies to independent expenditure groups and super PACs.
The lawsuit was brought by a political advocacy group in Washington, D.C., and would have a stark impact on Alaska elections.
The State of Alaska has challenged the ruling, asking for a rehearing because some important elements were left out.
The case stems back to the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision; the Anchorage judge’s decision seems to defy that ruling.
Wednesday’s meeting is meant to answer questions of commission members and update them on the court case.
Teleconference number: 1-800-315-6338, Code 41761#
