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May 6, 2005 Spotcheck May 5, 2005* Attack of the Gigantic Campaign Contributors * Direct Line: Telecom Giving Analyzed * Reform Dialogue Continues * Attack of the Gigantic Campaign Contributors Political campaigns in Illinois are fueled by a small number of contributors giving donation of $10,000 or more - contributions so large they would be illegal in federal elections and in most other states. Donations in that range account for more than half of the money raised by Illinois' constitutional officers, legislative leaders, and Supreme Court candidates. How many donors can and do give at that level? The answers are here: http:// www.ilcampaign.org/analysis/briefings/gigantic.asp * Direct Line: Telecom Giving Analyzed Illinois' telecommunications industry has undergone a sea change in just the last two years, and if some telecom companies get their way, it is about to change again. A wave of mergers and acquisitions has changed the dynamics of telecom lobbying and campaign giving as former rivals have swallowed each other and new companies pursue different strategies. What hasn't changed is the industries willingness to give generously to Illinois politicians. For the details, click here: http://ilcampaign.org/analysis/briefings/direct_line.asp * Reform Dialogue Continues Two strong reform bills, SB 187 (voters guides) and SB 1955 (Supreme Court Campaign Reform) have passed the Senate and moved to the House. Both have picked up bipartisan sponsorship in the lower chamber, and positive discussions with the two caucus leaders make ICPR cautiously optimistic for both bills. On Tuesday, May 3, ICPR joined Democratic and Republican legislators to call for greater transparency in the Inspectors General created by the 2003 Ethics Bill. And we (still) await Gov. Blagojevich's sytem-rockign proposals. Hearing from us is one thing, though; hearing from constituents is another. If you have concerns or thoughts about either bill, now is the time to contact your legislator and make your voice heard.
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. You have received this email because you are a subscriber to ICPR Spotcheck, the e-mail newsletter of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. It contains news and information on the activities of ICPR. If your email software does not support HTML, please read Spotcheck online at: http://ilcampaign.org/press/spotcheck.asp. To add or remove a name from this list, please e-mail nelly@ilcampaign.org. |
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