Blagojevich scandal could be reform catalyst
CHICAGO (AP) – The scandal over ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich has reinvigorated calls for tougher campaign finance laws.
Republican Congressman Mark Kirk and GOP state Sen. Matt Murphy on Monday announced parallel efforts to try to limit donations at both state and federal levels.
They're building on the public disgust that surrounded Blagojevich's removal from office last week. The Democrat was impeached after his arrest on federal corruption charges.
Illinois has resisted campaign finance reform and there are virtually no contribution limits. A new ban on contributions from high-dollar state contractors went into effect this year.
Kirk and Murphy say political contributions need to be banned from anyone who receives federal earmarks or member initiative money in Springfield. Both are special spending set aside for lawmakers' pet projects.
Murphy said now is the time for "disinfecting" Illinois politics.
