Washington suspends late-election PAC contribution limits

Washington’s Public Disclosure Commission has suspended enforcement of limits on large contributions to political committees and candidates’ personal campaign spending during the final weeks before the general election, citing doubts that the restrictions would survive a legal challenge. The limits had capped late contributions at $75,000 for statewide campaigns and $7,500 for other campaigns; individual contribution limits remain in place, as do expedited reporting requirements for large donations. The decision comes as voters are casting ballots and high-stakes legislative and state Supreme Court races draw substantial spending, prompting concerns from political observers and campaign professionals that large donations may influence races and not be disclosed until after Election Day. Critics across party lines have questioned why the commission acted so close to the election.