Koch brothers-backed group says ballot measure could invite lawsuits

A Koch Brothers-backed nonprofit says South Dakota could be dragged into expensive freedom of speech lawsuits if voters approve a proposed campaign finance overhaul in November.

The argument is the latest in a campaign against Initiated Measure 22, which would require Koch-affiliated groups and other donors to disclose their identities and lower the amount they could contribute to candidates, parties and political action committees.

The Center for Competitive Politics, a Virginia-based group funded in part by the David and Charles Koch, conservative industrialists, released a report Thursday critical of the South Dakota ballot measure. In the assessment, an analyst said the so-called "South Dakota Government Accountability and Anti-Corruption Act" would require reporting of political speech and donations and it would impose a "straightjacket" on fundraising.

"We're just putting the issues out there and alerting people to the legal issues that could arise," Eric Wang, Center for Competitive Politics analyst, said. The group didn't endorse or oppose the measure.

Read more: http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2016/08/27/koch-brothers-backed-group-says-ballot-measure-could-invite-lawsuits/89337302/