Among other increases, the new limits allow a candidate for the Supreme Court to collect $316,250 in a general election from a political party. The current limit is $275,000.

The court adopted an amendment to the Code of Judicial Conduct that changes the limits on Jan. 1. The court first established contribution limits for judicial candidates in 1995 and last increased them on Feb. 1, 2005.

The code directs the court to review contribution limits every four years based on the growth of the Consumer Price Index. The court is not required to make any adjustments to the contribution limits, but Rick Dove, assistant administrative director, said the justices opted for the increases so "candidates' buying power stays in pace with inflation."

The Supreme Court said that fundraising using the new and higher contribution limits can begin on Jan. 5 for judges running in 2009. Any post-election fundraising conducted on behalf of 2008 candidates -- which can continue through March 4, 2009 -- remains subject to the existing limits.

jhallett@dispatch.com