Campaign Funding Goes to Supreme Court - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Campaign Funding Goes to Supreme Court

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West Virginia's Supreme Court plans to hear arguments over whether to release additional public funds to candidates running for the court.

The order sets a Sept. 4, hearing in the case filled by Allen Loughry.

The Republican earlier received public funds through a program that offers an alternative to traditional campaign cash. But the State Election Commission has so far balked at giving Loughry additional money meant to help him keep pace with opponents.

 Federal court rulings have targeted such rescue funding in other states. But the commission is also siding with Loughry and defending West Virginia's rescue funding provision in his case.

A would-be donor to Loughry's Democratic opponents seeks to join the case. Mike Callaghan is also challenging the rescue funding as unconstitutional in federal court.