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| Group: Campaign Reform Bill Not Reform |
Political reformers are pushing the governor not to sign a bill that purports to be an improvement to the current system of campaign funding.
Andy Shaw of the Better Government Association says H.B. 7 is no reform at all. "No one in their right mind thinks this is a reform bill," he says. "Every single provision has giant loopholes you could drive trucks through. Instead of making the process more democratic and more transparent, it gives the leadership even more control over the process. It allows incumbents to raise ungodly sums of money while pretending they have limitations. It makes it hard for challengers to get in the game unless they're super-rich."
The governor has until Friday to sign the bill, veto it or make changes to it. Shaw is hoping for an amendatory veto that reduces the campaign contribution limits, and makes them apply per election cycle, rather than per year.
The bill establishes contribution limits of $5,000 from individuals, $10,000 from corporations, unions and associations, and $90,000 from transfers between political committees per year. Reformers wanted the state to enact the federal limits of $2,400 from individuals, $5,000 from corporations, unions or political action committees, and $30,000 from legislative leaders' PACs, per election cycle. H.B. 7 also places no limit on in-kind contributions, such as paying for advertisements for candidates, recruiting campaign workers and sending out mailers.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 08 26 09 by Newsroom |
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