A local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is helping an anti-abortion organization challenge the legality of Ohio’s state election law. The Susan B. Anthony List wants to run billboards against Democratic Congressman Steve Driehaus, claiming he’s not really pro-life because of his support for the federal health care reform law.

 

Driehaus blocked the anti-abortion group from putting up the ads by filing a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission, which ruled Driehaus has probable cause in his complaint that the billboard messages contained false statements. The lawsuit contends state law banning false statements about a candidate’s voting record is vague and violates free speech.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Anti-Abortion Group Challenging Ohio Election Law (by John Seewer, Associated Press)

Susan B. Anthony List v. Rep. Steve Driehaus et al. (U.S. District Court, Southern Ohio, Western Division) (pdf)