Illinois House Committee approves zero spending limits for political parties

The Illinois House committee approved new campaign finance rules that would not put any limits on spending by political parties and legislative leaders.

This means that a political party would be allowed to spend money on campaigns freely, but candidates for the Illinois House or Senate could only take $5,000 from an individual, $10,000 from unions or corporations and $50,000 from a political action committee.

Co-Chair of CHANGE Illinois Peter Bensinger told the Daily Herald that while the new rules have made several improvements in other areas, they will also further empower political and legislative leaders.

“This is like a house without a roof,” said Bensinger.

House Speaker Michael Madigan said the new rules simply allow political parties to support their candidates. He pointed out how the governor can currently spending an unlimited amount on a campaign, and political parties should have the same rules.

And while some have proposed the idea of using the federal campaign spending system, Madigan explained how Democratic and Republican committees have spent millions of dollars on the Virginia governor’s race.

The plan passed the House Executive Committee with a 7-4 vote. All Republicans voted against the plan.

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