Chicago Tribune Opposes Pay to Play

January 3, 2007

In This Issue:
• Chicago Tribune Opposes Pay to Play
• Reform Group Set Agenda
• Stay Tuned for Chicago Database

Chicago Tribune Opposes Pay to Play
A common New Years' tradition is the making of resolutions, and this morning's Chicago Tribune has a great one for the legislature. Noting that, " Gov. Rod Blagojevich raked in at least $234,000 in contributions from 38 vendors doing business with the State of Illinois [and] Challenger Judy Baar Topinka drew almost $79,000 from 33 vendors doing business with the state," the Trib's editorial board urges the legislature to take swift action to bar state contractors from giving to the elected official who oversees the contract.

That the Trib leads its editorial page with this message shows how important it is. No cheerleader for campaign finance reform, the Trib has in the past opposed limits on campaign contributions and argued against aspects of the federal McCain Feingold law. But they support this ban on pay to play. "Enough corruption is enough. Private-sector workers often accept as a condition of employment limits on what they may say. The limits in House Bill 1 would fall on firms as a condition of doing business with the state. Fair enough."

Read it yourself; it's a great way to start the year.

Reform Group Set Agenda
Representatives from the major reform groups met in December to evaluate Illinois' current political climate and to discuss which changes are most needed. All told, leaders from half a dozen organizations took part. And all agreed to pool efforts to pass three bills this session: a ban on pay to play, judicial public financing, and lobbyist reforms. Some of these have already been filed; others are pending. As always, we anticipate bipartisan, bicameral proposals in the near future. Illinois has a long way to go, and these proposals would institute major, meaningful reforms in the Wild West of American politics.

Stay Tuned for Chicago Database
We're putting the final touches on our debugged database of Chicago campaign contributions and expect to make it public soon. Watch this space for the unveiling!