May 31, 2005

In This Issue:

• Election Reform Bill Passes
• Medical Malpractice, Gambling Giving Analyzed

Election Reform Bill Passes  
An election code omnibus bill, HB 1968, passed the General Assembly in the waning days of the Spring Session. The bill includes an Internet voters guide maintained by the State Board of Elections, which will include candidates in the general election for U.S. President, U.S. Senate, Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Appellate Court, and Supreme Court as well as other information about voting procedures and locations. The provisions are modeled on the findings of the Illinois Voters Guide Task Force. The bill also contains a provision designed to address the campaign finance disclosure evasion which occurred in the 5th Judicial District election for Illinois Supreme Court last fall and which has been the basis of ICPR complaints pending with the State Board of Elections.

While the Judicial Public Financing proposal did not get out of the House, we remain hopeful that it may be considered during the November Veto Session when the Legislature may look at a variety of pending reform proposals.

Medical Malpractice, Gambling Giving Analyzed
Doctors, hospitals, and the lawyers who sue them gave $7.7 million to state candidates in Illinois during 2003-2004, according to analysis posted to ilcampaign.org. Giving by lawyers followed a highly partisan pattern, going nearly exclusively to Democrats, while doctors and hospitals gave to all but 8 sitting legislators. For the details, click here.
Gambling interests contributed $1.8 million during 2003-2004. Their giving tilted toward leadership and toward Republicans. For the details, click here.

ICPR Spotcheck is a publication of The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, a non-partisan public interest group that educates, conducts research, and advocates reforms to promote public participation in government, address the role of money in politics, and encourage integrity, accountability, and transparency in government.

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