A House Republican on Thursday began a legislative effort to allow special interest groups to target congressional candidates with ads close to elections, a move that would undo a key part of the nation's new campaign finance law.
Maryland Rep. Roscoe Bartlett's proposal would rescind restrictions barring the use of corporate or union money on ads mentioning federal candidates in their districts within 30 days of a primary and 60 days of a general election.
The National Rifle Association, AFL-CIO, the American Civil Liberties Union and several other groups have sued unsuccessfully to try to overturn the restrictions, arguing they violate free speech rights. The Supreme Court in December upheld the ad rules.
About a dozen House Republicans have signed on in support of the bill, including House Majority Whip Roy Blunt, R-Mo. Blunt hopes to bring the measure to a House vote before the November election.
