House DFLer criticizes business group's campaign finance law inquiry

A Democrat in the Minnesota House is criticizing the state's largest business group for asking a federal court to clarify the state's campaign finance laws.

The U.S. Supreme court recently struck down a law similar to one in Minnesota that bars businesses from spending corporate money on issue ads. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce this week asked a judge for clear direction on what's legal in Minnesota. Rep. Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, said he's disappointed the Chamber filed the suit instead of working with the Legislature.

"If they pursue litigation and lawsuits, they're going to have a lot of uncertainty and a lot of confusion about what the law is by the time election season comes around," Winkler said. "If they work with the Legislature and try to find a reform, we might be able to give them some clarity so they have the ability to advocate legally."

An official with the Chamber said he wants the Legislature to fix the issue but worries other matters, like the state's budget problems, will take precedent.