Support campaign contribution limits

A current sticking point in negotiations over campaign finance reform is one of the key points, contribution limits. The reasonable step of paralleling the federal limits, i.e., $2400 per individual per election cycle ($4800 in an election (primary + general)), and strict limits on transfers from party committees, is being resisted. It's important to show General Assembly leadership that the average voter gets the importance of this issue, and cares about it.

I understand the argument that a limit means politicians spend more time fundraising. I don't agree -- even without limits my recent conversations confirm that they are already spending enormous time dialing for dollars. I could actually support a lower limit, such as the $500 cap that Wisconsin sets for state legislative contrbiutions. But I can live with the federal limits.

State representative Julie Hamos, who represents most of Evanston, has an online petition which states simply,

We, the undersigned, petition the Governor and Illinois legislative leaders to enact caps on political contributions immediately. We call for contribution limits of $2,400 for individuals per candidate and strict limits on political party transfers to each candidate. We call for legislation to be enacted before the legislature adjourns on May 31.

To sign the petition click here. Then pass on to a friend.