ILLINOIS CAMPAIGN REFORM COALITION

September 4, 2008

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Dear Legislator:

We write as the directors of Illinois’ leading reform groups to ask you to override Governor Blagojevich’s amendatory vetoes of pay-to-play legislation (HB 824) and disclosure legislation (SB 2190).
We firmly believe that the Governor has exceeded his authority in issuing these amendatory vetoes and that it is critical for the legislature stand by its original intention to enact these bills.
After a long and drawn out process, the pay-to-play and disclosure legislation that was overwhelmingly passed by both houses mirrors the public’s strong support for ethics reforms as cited in a recent poll by Belden Russonello & Stewart. The poll indicated that residents of Illinois are highly concerned about corruption in state government, extremely concerned about the influence of money in state politics, and are far less likely to “trust the government in Illinois to do what is right” as compared to residents who live in the surrounding midwestern states.
The same poll also illustrated that despite the public’s frustration with the adverse impact of money in politics, Illinoisans DO believe that reform can make a big difference in putting our state back on track. Some 91 percent of those surveyed support increased disclosure; 88 percent believe state contractors should not be allowed to make contributions to elected officials who issue contracts; and 86 percent believe campaign finance limitations should be instituted. The public clearly wants action from state government, and they want it now.
The Governor’s amendatory veto ignores the public’s desire to get Illinois government back on track—a call to action that has been echoed by the enclosed editorial pages from across the state. We ask that you take action to counter the political games that have stalled past reform efforts and now threaten to kill HB 824 and SB 2190 by voting yes on the override.
It’s time to start restoring public confidence in the legislature and in the legislative process. We ask you to commit publicly to vote to override the Governor’s amendatory vetoes of HB 824 and SB 2190.
Further, we are appealing to the legislative leadership for their commitment to open up the process by convening legislative hearings to consider additional ethics and campaign finance reform legislation. The public is concerned about these issues and they merit thoughtful debate.

We call on the General Assembly to override the vetoes of HB 824 and SB 2190.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Canary, Illinois Campaign for Political Reform

Terry Pastika, Citizen Advocacy Center

Brian Imus, Illinois PIRG

Paula Lawson, League of Women Voters of Illinois

Jay Stewart, Better Government Association

Todd Dietterle, Illinois Common Cause

Kent Redfield. Sunshine Project

Al Sharp, Protestants for the Common Good

Cc: Hon. Rod Blagojevich, Governor
Hon. Pat Quinn, Lt. Governor
Hon. Lisa Madigan, Attorney General
Hon. Dan Hynes Comptroller
Hon. Alexi Giannoulias, TreasurerEnclosures