March 7, 2008

In This Issue:

  • ICPR Files Complaints with State Board of Elections
  • Rezko Trial Puts Spotlight on Contribution Limits
  • Computer Problems Improving

ICPR Files Complaints with State Board of Elections
ICPR has filed complaints against two political committees -- one supporting a Chicago alderman and one supporting a State Representative -- who have filed campaign disclosure reports claiming zero in receipts and expenditures for more than one year. While these candidates won contested elections and while other committees reported giving money to these committees and getting transfers from them, Citizens for Ed Smith and Citizens for Annazette Collins both filed disclosure reports claiming that they neither raised nor spent any funds. For copies of the complaints or the press release, please visit ICPR's homepage.

Rezko Trial Puts Spotlight on Contribution Limits
Federal prosecutors allege that Tony Rezko and Stuart Levine conspired to extort either a $1.5 million campaign contribution for the governor's political fund or a $2 million pay off from an investment house seeking state funds. A campaign contribution of that size would be illegal in nearly every other state, and in all federal contests. The trial is ginning up interest in HB 3497, which would create limits on all offices up and down the ballot. Why not call your legislator and let them know you're concerned about large donations? For more on contribution limits, see the page on our website. Another bill to keep your eyes on is SB 2306, which would address appointments to board and commissions.

Computer Problems Improving
If you tried to visit our website and couldn't, or tried to use our database and couldn't, or tried to e-mail us and couldn't please try again. The server that served us so well for 6 years has finally been replaced and our internet presence is now on a much stronger footing. Some of the databases need to be rebuilt but we're getting information back on line as soon as we can. We appreciate your patience!

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.

© Copyright 2008. All material.