Blagojevich tries to restrict campaign donors

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Rod Blagojevich is being criticized for attempting to bar state officials from accepting contributions from state and local government employees.

Cindi Canary of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform claims Blagojevich used his amendatory veto powers to rewrite what she calls a "good, clean, basic" bill.

Senate Bill 2190 required groups promoting ballot issues must disclose their campaign finances once they raise or spend $3,000. To that bill Blagojevich added that state officials cannot take campaign money from any state or local government employee.

Republican state Senator Larry Bomke of Springfield said a ban on contributions to those holding or seeking statewide office may be proper since they have the power to hire workers. However, he said it makes no sense to forbid government workers from giving to legislators.