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Lawsuits filed against campaign finance bill

Sen. Mitch McConnell

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Almost immediately after President Bush signed the campaign finance reform bill Wednesday morning, tightening regulations on donations to political campaigns, two lawsuits were filed challenging the constitutionality of the new law.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. McConnell's legal team, led by former Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr and First Amendment expert Floyd Abrams, will argue the new law violates the First Amendment's protection of free speech. (More on the bill signing)

The Kentucky Republican also argues that the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, because it restricts the political speech of political parties and interest groups but not the news media.

The National Rifle Association also filed suit Wednesday, saying the law infringes on the rights of its 4 million members and other citizens who want to make their opinions heard.

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"The law imposes severe civil and criminal penalties on citizens who have the audacity to speak out on issues of concern -- and we do not believe that the Constitution of the United States of America and the U.S. Supreme Court can possibly allow such a result," the group said in a written statement.

One key backer of the bill, Rep. Marty Meehan, D-Massachusetts, Wednesday issued a statement praising Bush for signing the legislation. Meehan wrote, "This is giant step forward for our democracy. But clearly the battle is not over. This bill will be challenged in court and we are ready for that fight."

Common Cause, an activist group also supporting tighter rules on donations, Wednesday said Bush's signature means the president "has recognized the need to end the worst abuse in our political system -- the unlimited contributions from corporations and unions."

Group president Scott Harshbarger added, "as for our worthy adversaries, Senator McConnell and Judge Starr, we will see them in court."