Former City Comptroller and failed mayoral candidate John Liu is suing the City's Campaign Finance Board in federal court.
In a complaint filed Wednesday, attorneys for Liu said his campaign was "crippled" by the Board's decision last summer to withhold $3.8 million in public matching funds. The decision followed the indictments of Liu's campaign treasurer and fundraiser.
The complaint argues the city's public financing system is unconstitutional. Liu is seeking a jury trial.
Candidates can receive $6 of matching funds for every dollar raised, up to certain limits.
Campaign Finance Board Executive Director Amy Loprest said, "the Board's oversight has always been tough but fair."
She had no comment about Liu's litigation.
