Lawsuit targets new campaign contribution law

A lawsuit filed today in Cole County Circuit Court takes direct aim at the newly-enacted campaign contribution law, saying that its provisions against fundraising during the legislative session provide a substantial advantage to incumbents:

The case was filed by Democrat James Trout, who narrowly lost election last November to Republican Rep. Kathlyn Fares, of St. Louis. The lawsuit says Trout intends to be a candidate again in 2008 and would like to contribute to other candidates and spend his own money on his own campaign during the law's blackout period. Trout said the repeal of contribution limits, combined with the 4 1/2-month fundraising blackout, makes it easier for incumbents to gain a fundraising advantage over their challengers. It also favors wealthy special interests, he said.
"This law is a lopsided charade whose intention, I think, is seriously just to keep a supermajority entrenched," Trout, of Webster Groves, said in a telephone interview. "It certainly weights the election in favor of those who already hold office."