Public financing of Ill. elections debated

By: Kurt Erickson

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois could combat the dominance of money in elections by launching some sort of public financing program for candidates, advocates told a special panel investigating election reform issues Monday.

At a time when voters are still reeling from the conviction of its second straight governor on corruption charges, advocates said adding public money to the mix for elections could broaden the number of people seeking elected offices and add to the number of people who are financing elections.

It is particularly worthwhile to consider because of the rising expense of running for state office, they added.

"I don't think the cost of campaigns is going to do down," said Kent Redfield, a retired University of Illinois Springfield political scientist.