Nelson v. McClatchy Newpapers, Inc.

The issues in this case present two questions.1 The first is whether the "Fair Campaign Practices Act,” RCW 42.17.680(2), establishing campaign contribution limitations also prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee because the employee refuses to remain politically abstinent? And, second, if RCW 42.17.680(2) does apply in such situations, does its application violate a newspaper’s constitutionally guaranteed free press right to editorial control of the paper’s content?

We find that RCW 42.17.680(2) does prohibit this employer from discriminating against an employee on the…