Judge lets MN enforce key parts of disclosure law

A federal judge says Minnesota can enforce the key parts of a challenged state law requiring political groups to disclose campaign fundraising and spending.

An appeals court last month found part of the law "most likely unconstitutional" and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank.

The anti-abortion group Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, the Taxpayers League of Minnesota and a travel agency have been fighting to overturn the law. They say it inhibits freedom of speech.

In an order Friday, Frank interpreted the appeals court ruling narrowly.

His order blocks enforcement only of a requirement that said inactive political groups had to continue filing one-page reports stating they had no receipts or expenditures during a reporting period. Active political groups must continue reporting their fundraising and spending.