A Multnomah County judge struck down voter-approved campaign finance limits for Portland elections, stating the regulations violate the free expression guarantees of Oregon’s constitution.
The decision, issued Thursday by Judge Eric. J Bloch, mirrors one the judge issued in March 2018 that struck down limits for Multnomah County races. Both times, he did in part citing a 1997 Oregon Supreme Court decision.
Campaign finance reform advocates have said their fight is not over and suggested that appeals may be successful. They have pointed out that the Oregon Supreme Court of 1997 included some Republican justices whereas today’s court is comprised entirely of Democrats who may view the issue differently.
“The Oregon Supreme Court is already scheduled to reconsider that position, with briefs due this summer and oral argument at the court on November 1,” said Dan Meek, attorney representing campaign finance reform backers.
On Thursday Bloch upheld portions of the voter-approved campaign rules that require Portland political advertisements to prominently disclose their top five financial backers.
That requirement “will allow Oregon voters to evaluate the credibility of political ads by knowing who paid for them,” said Liz Trojan, a chief petitioner of the campaign finance measure.
Portland voters approved the campaign finance changes in November with an 87 percent “yes” vote.