A Virginia-based political advocacy group asked the Supreme Court on Friday to bar state officials in California from gaining access to the lists of people who donate money or services to it. The Center for Competitive Politics, a vigorous supporter of political free-speech rights that does not get involved directly in election campaigns, asked for the protection until it can file a formal appeal to the Court on the constitutional dispute.
The Center’s plea (application 14A1179), along with the ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and other Circuit Court orders, can be read here. It was filed with Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, who handles emergency matters from that geographic region. He can act on his own or share the issue with his colleagues.The identity of those who give money to the Center is provided in a document (Form 990) that it must file with the Internal Revenue Service to qualify for tax-exempt status — under tax code 501(c)(3) — as an educational organization.
Ordinarily, that document remains confidential with IRS — a requirement imposed by federal law. However, a growing number of state attorneys general — including California’s — have been demanding access to organizations’ copies of that document in full form, contending that they need the financial data as they enforce state laws regulating groups that raise money within the state as charities.