Pennsylvania Supreme Court Upholds Campaign Finance Law

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently issued a decision which upholds the constitutionality of Philadelphia's Campaign Finance Law. The law had been challenged by local officials who alleged that the Philadelphia campaign finance law was preempted by the State's election law. In a 5-2 decision written by Justice Baer, the Court held that the mere enactment of legislation in the field was insufficient to find preemptive intent on the part of the State Legislature. Accordingly, Philadelphia was free to enact its own limits. Philadelphia’s campaign finance law limits contributions to $2,500 per year from individuals. Additionally, the City’s pay-to-play laws prohibit the awarding of non-competitively bid contracts to those individuals who contribute more than $2,500 per year.