AG fighting challenge to ND 'robo-call' ban Eds: APNewsNow.

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem is challenging an advocacy group's claim that it should be able to make pre-recorded phone calls in the state.

North Dakota law bans "robo-calls" unless they are introduced by a live operator. A group called American Future Fund Political Action is asking the Federal Election Commission to override the law.

The group supports conservative political causes. It contends that federal election campaign law allows the pre-recorded calls, and that federal law on telemarketing should trump North Dakota's restrictions.

The American Future Fund asked the Federal Election Commission for an advisory opinion last month. Stenehjem filed a response this week to support North Dakota's law against robo-calls.

The attorney general says the law helps protect North Dakotans from being bombarded by political calls.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-25-09 1225CST | save this article / add to your favorites list