Fourth Circuit rules parties and joint fundraisers miss candidate-rate for spending

The Fourth Circuit of Appeals ruled that political parties and joint fundraising committees do not qualify for the candidate rate for political spending, which is lower than what outside groups have to pay — which could help Democrats.

Democrats got some good news when the Fourth Circuit of Appeals ruled that political parties and joint fundraising committees do not qualify for the candidate rate for political spending, which is lower than what outside groups have to pay.

If the ruling stands — still a big ‘if’ — it would benefit Democrats.

Democratic candidates are often outraising Republicans in key races, and those candidates would receive more efficient ad spending rates than political parties.

Republicans will appeal to the Supreme Court; National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez said, “This is the first word, not the last.” But Democrats are celebrating the decision, which blunts some of the Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this year allowing more coordinated spending between parties and candidates.

The Democratic House and Senate campaign arms said candidate-funded campaigns remain “a fundamental advantage in the midterms.”