From the Southern (Editorial):

Approval needed on bill targeting 'pay for play' politics

We realize that it's not pretty these days under our Capitol dome in Springfield.

Tough, emotional issues such as electric rates and potential tax increases have dwarfed most others this legislative session, and it appears little headway was made on either front before the end of last week in legislature.

But among the silver linings this season is one piece of legislation that deserves a continued smooth trip through the Senate and a signature from Gov. Rod Blagojevich: House Bill 1.

It is a carefully crafted bill that bans companies and individuals with at least $25,000 in state contracts from giving to the executive office holders who oversee the awarding of the contracts.

It addresses the seemingly growing abuse that is public corruption, the pay-to-play atmosphere that has permeated parts of Illinois for decades.

Our most recent governor is fighting a corruption conviction; our current one is part of several federal investigations.

Former Blagojevich fundraiser, Anthony "Tony" Rezko, stands indicted on federal corruption claims that he shook down companies seeking state pension business for contributions to Blagojevich's campaign.

Another one-time cog in the Chicago Democratic machine, former Alderman Edward R. Vrdolyak, also known as "Fast Eddie," was charged Thursday in a federal indictment accusing him of scheming to get a $1.5 million kickback in a real estate deal.

Other indictments are expected in ongoing federal investigations.

Such doings never have been unusual in Chicago, but some fear the Democratic Party's control over statewide politics and the influence of the Windy City are factors in a steady descent of state governmental integrity.

Cynthia Canary, who leads the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, said public confidence is shot.

"So many big campaign contributors receive big state contracts that the public no longer buys the explanation that it is just a coincidence," she said.

When the House unanimously approved the measure late last month, state Comptroller Dan Hynes hit the nail on the head.

"This is going to the very core of the biggest problem in state government, and that is the perception that our government is for sale," Hynes said. "That's not true, but the perception is there."

The legislation also calls for the disclosure of previous campaign contributions to office holders by anyone seeking business in excess of $10,000.

Both are necessary steps to help splash the state with a little political bleach, and clean it up.