A federal judge Monday was skeptical of a Democratic challenge to Georgia law that allows Governor Kemp and a few other elected officials of both parties to raise unlimited amounts of campaign cash.
At a hearing in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, the Democratic Party of Georgia argued the law is unconstitutional. They say it gives the governor and a few incumbent officials an unfair advantage against other candidates, who face limits on the amounts they can receive. Kemp’s attorneys say the Democrats’ argument fails on many counts. Among other things, they note that Democratic candidates can seek funding from their party leaders’ committees, just as Republicans can.
U.S. District Judge Mark Cohen expressed doubts that the Democrats had a valid case — even as he appeared to criticize the law. He called it a “workaround” campaign finance limits that benefits both parties, but he added: “I can’t change laws that smell bad.” Cohen said he plans to issue a ruling by early next week.
