Democrats failed at real reform

The Democrats proved once again that they are more interested in press releases filled with reform rhetoric than actually changing the culture of campaign finance in Illinois. They passed legislation (HB 7) that will implement minimal caps on campaign contribution limits and will only extend the time to report campaign contributions by 30 days. This barely gets them an A for effort.

My Republican colleagues and I proposed real-time reporting of campaign contributions. Our legislation, supported by the Illinois Reform Commission, was blatantly ignored. Real-time campaign finance reporting would foster genuine transparency, providing the public's watchful eye to root out any possible corruption. We are all too familiar with the allegations that Blagojevich attempted to shake down horse racing officials, hospital administrators, and sell a U.S. Senate seat. Real time reporting would hold political candidates accountable and ensure they are not using their political clout in exchange for a large check.

Additionally, House Bill 24 had bipartisan support and would have strengthened campaign contribution caps on in-kind contributions from political parties and committees. Unfortunately, Speaker Madigan opted to provide the public with a watered-down approach to reform. I am disappointed that we are ignoring an opportunity to act in the best interest of the public.

Darlene Senger

State Representative

96th district