The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled 2-1 in favor of Democratic candidates, blocking the Federal Communications Commission’s effort to extend discounted broadcast television advertising rates to political parties and joint fundraising committees with non-candidate members. The decision says the lowest unit charge, or LUC, is reserved for candidates and incumbent campaigns during designated pre-election periods. Republicans plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. The ruling follows a June Supreme Court decision that removed limits on coordinated spending between political parties and candidates, potentially giving party committees greater financial reach in future elections. The decision applies to both parties and comes as campaign advertising accelerates ahead of the November midterms.