Austin’s 1997 Campaign Finance Rule Remains Intact After Federal Judge’s Ruling

Austin’s Campaign Finance Rule Upheld By Federal Judge

AUSTIN — In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman dismissed a lawsuit filed by Doug Greco, who is running for mayor of Austin. The lawsuit challenged a 1997 rule that places limits on how much money local candidates can receive from donors outside the city. This decision means that the rule, which caps contributions from outside city limits to a total of $47,000 for city council and mayoral candidates, remains in effect.

Details of the Ruling

The lawsuit was a response to a rule that was approved by Austin voters in the late 1990s. Greco’s challenge was aimed at overturning this limitation, citing concerns over its impact on local elections. After the ruling, a spokesperson for the city expressed gratitude to the court for its time and consideration, stating, “Our interpretation of the rule is the judge has said, ‘not yet.’ They did not rule on the constitutionality.”

On Monday, Greco commented on the outcome, indicating that the legal process regarding the rule is not entirely over. “There’s a city process that’s playing out right now, so if the city does any type of action we could bring the case back,” he said.

Ongoing Ethics Review

Currently, Austin’s Ethics Review Commission is examining complaints against both Greco and the sitting mayor, Kirk Watson. These complaints allege that both candidates violated the same campaign finance rule that Greco’s lawsuit targeted. Both candidates have denied the allegations. A final hearing for both candidates is scheduled for October 23.

“We’re in this to win it regardless,” Greco added, referring to his campaign. “But we showed a good faith effort in sequestering those funds and not accepting new donations since then.”

Support for the Rule

Austin candidate Kathie Tovo has voiced her support for the existing campaign finance limit. Tovo, a former city council member, told KXAN, “Austin voters passed this campaign reform rule overwhelmingly because they didn’t want our city politics dominated by outside special interests. Austin’s campaign rules were passed to protect the power of voters. I support the law. We need reform to give Austinites more of a voice, not to open the doors to outside money.”

Comments from Watson’s Campaign

Watson’s campaign team did not offer any remarks regarding Greco’s lawsuit. Carmen Llanes-Pulido, another candidate, also chose not to comment. Jeffery Bowen, who has previously been at odds with the city in court, remarked, “As someone that has been a plaintiff against the city and served this country to protect our rights, if Mr. Greco wants to take his issue to the courts, he is within his right to do just that.” He also raised questions about the establishment of the donation limits, noting, “I have questions about who set the limit and who determined the limit amount.”

The Bigger Picture

The dismissal of this lawsuit reinforces the importance of local campaign finance regulations in Austin. As the mayoral race intensifies, candidates like Greco, Watson, and Tovo continue to navigate the rules while appealing for support within the community. With the upcoming hearing and ongoing discussions about campaign finance, Austin residents remain engaged in the political process, ensuring their voices are heard.