It's time Democrats push to vote on party limits (Editorial)
April 2, 2010
State legislators are in the midst of enjoying a two-week spring break. Now may be a perfect time to call, write or stop them at the store to tell them to push more ethics changes.
In particular, suburban Democrats ought to be standing up to push for proposals to limit what powerful legislative leaders and political party committees can give to candidates in general elections. Every other giver, except leaders and committees, will be limited next year. The attempt to close this key loophole deserves debate and a vote.
Democrats are central to the effort to secure a vote because both the Illinois House and Senate are controlled by Democratic majorities.
So we especially thank suburban state Rep. Karen May, a Highland Park Democrat, for introducing in February a proposal to limit political party and caucus leader contributions to general election funds. Thanks, too, to Democratic state Rep. Jack Franks of Marengo for joining as a co-sponsor with Republicans Elizabeth Coulson of Glenview and Sidney Mathias of Buffalo Grove.
