Enact Meaningful Limits on All Campaign Contributions

One absolutely necessary key to eliminating "pay to play" is to shut the checkbooks of special interests. Almost all states have contribution limits; Illinois needs to join the civilized world of campaign finance. The hope that more "transparency" alone will do the trick is wrong; we had plenty of disclosure of the Blagojevich "$25,000 Club" for years and it did nothing to rein in an administration that was essentially for sale.

We need contribution limits no greater than the federal level for all state and local campaigns in Illinois, and perhaps even those are too high. Members of Congress are able to raise sufficient campaign funds with limits in place; there's no reason why state representatives, county officials, or municipal alderman should need more. There should be no special exceptions for legislative leaders and caucuses. "Bundling" disclosure provisions must accompany any new limits regime.

Finally, to reduce the amount of time candidates and elected officials spend chasing money, to free up our elected officials' time to govern, to reduce the time spent in the political "bubble," and to reduce the implicit pressures and promises that such conversations generate, direct solicitation of money by candidates should be curtailed.


Back to Political Reform in Illinois