Moving primary an easy reform fix

Just last week, I called on Illinois legislators to move the 2010 gubernatorial primary from the blistering cold of February - which keeps voters and poll workers away - to the friendlier weather of May, June or August.

I believe a later primary would simultaneously result in a type of campaign finance reform, a notion reiterated today ("Panel urges sweeping campaign funding, contracting reforms") by the Illinois Reform Commission.

As currently scheduled, the primary is set for Feb. 2, 2010 and Early Voting starts Jan. 11. That means Illinois voters could be subjected to 10 months of radio and TV campaign ads, piles of direct mail and countless robo-calls, plus solicitations for cash to underwrite these assaults. Moving the primary could save candidates and their supporters millions of dollars.

I firmly believe Illinois politics needs less money and more voting in our elections.

David Orr

Cook County Clerk

Chicago