Post-holidays wrap up
Starting Jan 1, 2010, new campaign finance and ethics laws go into effect for the state of Massachusetts. The law was signed by Gov. Patrick (D) on July 1 after approval from state legislatures. Common Cause MA has a good two-page overview of the changes here (PDF). Source.
In Missouri, Gov. Jay Nixon (D) has sent a letter (PDF) to the members of the General Assembly stating his intent to make 2010 a year for state campaign finance reform. Missouri had campaign contribution limits put in place by 74% of voters in the 1994 election. While these limits withstood review by the US Supreme Court, they were repealed in 2008. In his letter, dated December 30, 2009, Nixon writes,
In California, the Republican party and a group of supporters are suing the city of San Diego over a ban on political parties contributing to city campaigns and the $500 contribution limit from individual donors, despite the fact that limit the was raised at the start of 2009. The complaint may be found here. Other sources: Ballot Access News
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry has suggested that the state siphon money from its Clean Elections fund, established by voters in 1998, to pay for some of the state’s vital services. The fund, which was close to $20 million for 2009, is provided for largely by a 10% surcharge on civil, criminal, and traffic fines and a $5 tax credit check off on Arizonian’s tax forms. Source: Arizona Business Gazette
State Senator John Marty (DFL) of Minnesota wrote a year-end opinion piece for the Twin Cities Daily Planet in support of strong campaign finance reform. Marty, who is running for governor to fill Republican Tim Pawlenty’s seat (who has stated he will not seek a third term), takes no money from special interest groups and has been honored by Common Cause Minnesota for his efforts at reform for the state of Minnesota.
Following this, off on hiatus until mid-January.