Court to reconsider Minn. rules on judicial campaigns

A federal appeals court is taking a second look at a decision that lifted some of Minnesota's restrictions on fundraising and endorsements by judicial candidates.

The decision in July from a three-judge panel of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned parts of the state code of judicial conduct, saying they violated the free speech rights of judicial candidates. It was a victory for attorney Greg Wersal, who's running against Justice Helen Meyer and has won a series of cases challenging restrictions on judicial campaigning.

But the full 8th Circuit has now decided to rehear the case. A hearing is set for Jan. 10 in St. Louis.

The state petitioned for the rehearing, saying the decision and harms Minnesota's ability to assure its citizens that its courts are impartial.

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