Ohio Supreme Court approves increase in campaign contribution limits

Individuals, organizations and political parties will be able to give more money to campaigns of state and local judicial candidates in 2009 and beyond as a result of an increase in contribution limits the Ohio Supreme Court. Justices adopted an amendment to the Code of Judicial Conduct that provide for a 15% increase in contribution limits. The percentage reflects growth in the Consumer Price Index since 2004. The code provides for a review of the limits every four years. 

Under a the previous rule, the limit for individual contributions to candidates for members of the Ohio Supreme Court was $3,000 in a primary, and $3,000 in a general election. Lesser amounts apply to candidates for state appeals courts, and for county and municipal courts based on population. The new limits will take effect on Jan. 1, 2009. Under the new rule the contribution limit for individuals to Supreme Court candidates is raised to $3,450 in the primary and general elections. For organizations, the corresponding new limit is $6,325 for both elections. For political parties, the limit is $172,500 for a primary, and $316,250 for a general election.