NTDO News -- Nov. 4, 2009

The Illinois Legislature has now passed a Campaign Finance Reform bill -- SB 1466 -- that has the endorsement of the state's major campaign reform organizations. One year ago, few people would have predicted this was possible. The new bill includes reforms in many areas recommended by a number of reformers, including our own NTDO Reform Committee.

Although specifics in the bill are not identical to what our organization and others urged, the areas of control over campaign financing have been radically improved, and in some cases now exist where there were previously no controls at all.

There are now limits on campaign contributions to all candidates (not just legislative and statewide) from individuals, organizations and party leadership in primary election campaigns. These limits continue for individuals and organizations in general elections. This is a major step in the reform of our state's campaign finance laws. It should be remembered that until now Illinois had no limits at all on contributions at any time from any source.

In addition, contribution limits will be tied to election cycles (not the calendar year) and in-kind donations will now count toward those limits. Candidates and incumbents will be limited to one fundraising committee. Transparency of contributions will now increase. Contributions of $1000 or more must now be reported electronically within 5 days. More detailed quarterly (rather than semi-annual) reports of contributions and expenditures from campaign committees will now be required. The authority of an election oversight agency will be strengthened with random audits conducted by the State Board of Elections to ensure compliance with the laws and with enhanced penalties enforced for violations. A complaint database of SBE actions/fines will be created. Also, a reform commission will continue to review the status of Illinois' campaign finance reform efforts including further review of the possibilities for public campaign funding.

The absence of certain contribution limits remains controversial.
The one area where contribution limits do not apply is for the party leadership of both parties in general elections. The Chicago Tribune and other conservative commentators have implied that this contribution exemption for party leaders will surely lead to an abuse of power held over the candidates being supported. But there is a flaw in this argument: ..... (to read more, click here.)