Dick & Betsy DeVos' pal sues state of MI over political campaign donor limits

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/06/devos_employee_greg_mcneilly_s.html

DeVos associate Greg McNeilly sues state over political campaign donor limits
Published: Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 10:14 AM Updated: Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 1:19 PM
John Agar | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS -- Republican strategist Greg McNeilly thinks he should have a greater say in his support of candidates. He filed a federal lawsuit Monday, arguing, in part, that limiting individuals' spending in state races is unconstitutional.

Beyond that, the limits, set in 1976, ignore inflation that has turned a $500 contribution back then into $132 in today's dollars, he said.

"The frustration with the process has been long-standing," McNeilly, once the campaign manager for Dick DeVos' bid for governor, said from his Lansing home. "This opportunity to (file suit) now arises from a very wide number of candidates that are out this election cycle."

He filed the lawsuit against Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land in her official capacity. He also requested a temporary injunction to prevent her from enforcing limits, and asked the case be heard quickly with the Aug. 3 primary looming.

Land's spokeswoman, Kelly Chesney, said she could not comment because Land has not been served with papers, and state attorneys had not been able to review the filing. The lawsuit was filed late Monday afternoon.

McNeilly, who has served as executive director of the state Republican Party, and works for The Windcrest Group, led by Betsy and Dick DeVos, said he was acting solely on his own in filing suit.

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