January 12, 2005

April 5, 2005


In This Issue:
• Who Gives to Illinois Politicians?
• Help Wanted
• Judicial Poll Released
• Reform Legislation Pending in Springfield

Who Gives to Illinois Politicians?
Illinois' political fundraising laws are the least restrictive in the country; any candidate can take as much as they can get from whomever will give it to them. How many Illinois residents make use of this freedom? Out of the 13 million people living in Illinois, how many availed themselves of this unlimited right to give politically? The answer may surprise you. Click here for the issue briefing.

Help Wanted
With great sadness ICPR has said goodbye to Mary Schaafsma, who directed our judicial reform efforts through the 2004 high court election. Now we're looking for someone to fill her shoes. Click here for the job posting.

Judicial Poll Release
About 85 percent of voters believe the decisions of Illinois judges are influenced by campaign contributors, political party leaders, and special interest groups, according to a recent public opinion poll. Despite this sentiment and a belief that judicial election campaigns have become too expensive, the poll showed Illinois voters continue to support an elected, rather than appointed, judicial system. The poll demonstrated strong support for limits on how much money can be contributed to judicial election campaigns, and slightly more than one-half of those polled said they would support the public financing of judicial campaigns. For details of the poll, click here.

Reform Legislation Pending in Springfield
As Gov. Blagojevich announced plans to "rock the system" with political reform proposals, reform organizations from around the state gathered in Springfield to announce principles they believe should guide new legislation. Among the ideas: voters guides and judicial public financing. Measures to accomplish both ideas (SB 187 and SB 1955, respectively) are now awaiting floor votes in the Senate. Click here for more on voters guides and judicial public financing

ICPR Spotcheck is a publication of The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, a non-partisan public interest group that educates, conducts research, and advocates reforms to promote public participation in government, address the role of money in politics, and encourage integrity, accountability, and transparency in government.

You have received this email because you are a subscriber to ICPR Spotcheck, the e-mail newsletter of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. It contains news and information on the activities of ICPR. If your email software does not support HTML, please read Spotcheck online at: http://ilcampaign.org/press/spotcheck.asp. To add or remove a name from this list, please e-mail nelly@ilcampaign.org.

© Copyright 2005. All material.