Finance reform discussed
Monday, Jan 8, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
Lee Newspapers continues its series on campaign finances with a report on reform ideas.
But now, after another year of heavy spending bought nasty television ads and bitter mailers, campaign finance reform hopefuls say 2007 could be their year.
Most agree leadership on the issue will have to come from the top if anything is to happen.
“A lot of this is going to depend on the governor and how much energy he wants to put into it,†said state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa. […]
Others want to end the potential conflict of interest that comes from campaign donors being awarded millions in state contracts — a practice known as “pay to play.†The issue hounded both Blagojevich and Topinka in the last campaign.
Go read the whole thing. Lee also has a story about Green Party financesFinance during the last election.
- Truthful James - Monday, Jan 8, 07 @ 8:49 am:
Campaign reform can not truly take place until the campaigning period in the media is shortened. There is too much time before the primaries, and definitely too much time betwen the primary and the general. The longer the time, the more money is needed.
- Squideshi - Monday, Jan 8, 07 @ 11:37 am:
The Green Party’s refusal to accept corporate money is the primary reason that I joined the Green Party. I wanted to be part of a party who’s candidates couldn’t be bought.
- Hugh - Monday, Jan 8, 07 @ 1:18 pm:
> reform ideas
from the article:
1. “federal-style” caps
2. ban contributions from contractors
good starts
… but how about a Texas-style ban on corporate money? Put a human being’s name & address on every dollar.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jan 8, 07 @ 1:47 pm:
How about public financing?
- Squideshi - Monday, Jan 8, 07 @ 11:31 pm:
Illinois Greens support full public financing of public elections. It’s Democrats like Mike Madigan and Rod Blagojevich who don’t.