COLUMBUS — A legal battle over campaign tactics used in an attempt to defeat Ohio Supreme Court Justice Alice Robie Resnick was rejoined in federal court Wednesday.

        The Alliance for Democracy, a Massachusetts-based watchdog group, asked a federal district court judge to examine fund-raising tactics the U.S. Chamber of Commerce used to bankroll an unsuccessful campaign to defeat Justice Resnick last year.

        The group's suit against the chamber came after the Ohio Elections Commission ruled this month that it had no jurisdiction over the matter.

        The Alliance for Democracy charged that the chamber illegally withheld the identity of its contributors and how much they gave.

        Although the group had the option of filing suit with the state, federal court would be the best forum to decide the case because it raises constitutional issues such as free speech protection, said Cliff Arnebeck, attorney for the Alliance for Democracy.

        “The motion they have filed is completely meritless,” said Matt Kairis, attorney for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

        A federal judge had abstained from ruling on the case earlier so it could be decided in a state court, Mr. Kairis said.

        The group wants to avoid having the case tied up in state court because there is some question whether the commission's ruling could be appealed at the state level, Mr. Arnebeck said.

        Common Cause, a watchdog group closely associated with Alliance for Democracy, is likely to sue the chamber in Franklin County court, Mr. Arnebeck said.

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