Manchin Signs Electioneering Bill

Gov. Joe Manchin has signed the hotly fought special session legislation that attempts to shore up West Virginia's reporting requirements for election-time political ads by most non-candidates, The Charleston Gazette reports.

"Supporters of the bill contend that it does not restrict various interest groups from conducting election advocacy campaigns, but merely requires that they disclose their funding sources," the article said. "Opponents argued it would have a chilling affect on the campaigns by organizations for or against particular candidates, saying the disclosure requirement will drive away many would-be contributors."

The legislation aims to respond to a federal judge's preliminary ruling in favor of the Center for Individual Freedom, which sued to challenge the state's law. The center has vowed to sue again over the special session action.