Thursday, September 10, 2009

Simple Campaign Finance Reform in Illinois

There is a fun suggestion going around the internet about how to reform politics in Illinois. It involves establishing a two term limit in Illinois. One in office and one in jail. Being serious for a moment, there is a quite simple solution that would dramatically reduce corruption. When all else fails, stay simple.

NO one may contribute to an Illinois election campaign more than $2,500 per campaign cycle. Only legal residents of the state of Illinois may make such contributions. No contributions to any IL political campaign, whether in-kind, or in cash, may be made by any party, committee, business or any other organization. Any organization may organize and encourage individual contributions of its members.

Now, every current politician and lobbyist in Illinois will suggest dozens of reasons why the simple formula above can't possibly work. But, ask the citizens if it works. Ask actual voters what is wrong with the above? Then listen carefully what voters say and who says it.

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