Mar 30, 2006 -- Judge Grants Partial Motion for Summary Judgment in Shays II Case

On March 29, 2006, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a 34 page opinion granting in part plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment in Shays and Meehan v. FEC (D.D.C.). This case was brought in 2004 challenging the FEC's failure to regulate 527 groups. The found that the FEC had "failed to present a reasoned explanation for its decision that 527 organizations will be more effectively regulated through case-by-case adjudication rather than general rule." The court also said, "Indeed, judging from the FEC's track record in the 2004 election, case-by-case adjudication appears to have been a total failure." The court remanded the case to give the FEC another opportunity to either issue a rule governing 527 organizations or to provide adequate justification and explanation for its failure to issue a rule.

To read the opinion, click here.