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JUNE 26, 2001

By a vote of 5 to 4, the Supreme Court on Monday upheld "hard money" limits on campaign spending.

Rejecting arguments made by the Colorado Republican Party, the Court said hard money limits are necessary to prevent wealthy donors from exerting unfair influence over political candidates. The Court said the limits do not infringe on free-speech rights.

Democrats hailed the ruling because Republicans typically raise more hard money. While soft money was not at issue, supporters of campaign finance reform also took the ruling as positive.

The decision was split along liberal-conservative lines with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor part of the liberal group.

Get the Decision FEC v. Colorado Republican Federal Campaign Committee:
Syllabus | Opinion | Dissent

Get the Story:
Court Backs Limits on Campaign Spending (The Washington Post 6/26)
Supreme Court's Ruling A Boost for Democrats (The Washington Post 6/26)
Justices Uphold Curbs on Coordinated Political Spending (The New York Times 6/26)
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