Second primary represents new election for donors

Typically, those inclined to give money to congressional candidates can donate only $2,600 during a primary and another $2,600 during the General Election, per Federal Election Commission rules.

But due to a court ruling throwing out North Carolina's old congressional districts, {{a ref="blogpost-2"}}the legislature drew new districts and called a new primary for June 7{{/a}}.

That prompted {{a ref="document-1"}}Congressman George Holding's campaign to ask{{/a}} if it could raise more money for what amounts to an all new primary from the same people who gave before.

The short answer: yes.

"Because the court order and state legislation created a new electoral situation, under these unusual circumstances, the Commission concludes that North Carolina’s June 7, 2016, primary election for the U.S.. House of Representatives constitutes a separate election from North Carolina’s March 15, 2016, primary election for the U.S. House of Representatives ... and provides for a separate contribution limit," {{a ref="document-2"}}the commission ruled in an advisory opinion adopted Thursday{{/a}}.

Thursday's ruling means that, even if a donor cut a check to a candidate for the March 15 primary, he or she can donate again for the June 7 primary.

Holding, who currently represents the 13th Congressional District, faces 2nd District Congresswoman Renee Ellmers and Dr. Greg Brannon, a runner-up in the 2014 and 2016 U.S. Senate primaries, in the GOP primary for the redrawn 2nd District. The winner will face one of five Democrats running in that party's primary.