According to the Seattle Times oppenents of Referendum 71, which would extend all of the legal rights of marriage (except the term "marriage") to same-sex partnerships, are trying to change Washington State Campaign Finance Law two weeks before the election.
Failing that, they would appreciate a restraining order allowing them to receive large contributions and hide the names of their contributors just for this election. This is just another lame attempt by a failing campaign to give themselves one more way out should they lose; or possibly to receive a large contribution that would allow them to get their message of hate out more effectively.
Campaign finance law in WA state caps contribution to any political campaign at $5,000 within 21 days of the election. Campaigns must also diclose the names, addresses and places of employment of those persons contribution $25 or more. Opponents of equal rights have filed a lawsuit seeking to lift this law so they can continue to hide the names of those who have donated and continue to receive donations larger than the cap allows.
As I noted in an earlier diary, the opponents of Referendum 71 have by soundly defeated in the campaign contribution war, effectively keeping their ads off of local television. 'Approve Ref. 71' has received twice as much money from donors and is currently running ads in primetime on local television. This despicable attempt to change the rules of the game in what is effectively the 4th quarter is sure to fail, but provides grounds on which to contest the election later on. It also seems to be a last ditch effort of a losing campaign to secure a large influx of capital just before the election. It doesn't seem to matter to these people what laws the campaign began under. They knew the rules when they started sending people out to collect signatures, but now, 2 weeks out, they don't want to play by them anymore.
I urge all kossacks in Washington State, if you haven't already, to get out the vote in favor of this Referendum. Also, as I said earlier, donations up to $5,000 are legal right up to Nov. 3, so don't be shy.
APPROVE REF. 71!