November 6, 2009 

With the annual fall veto session now concluded, newspaper editorial writers from Chicago to Carbondale are weighing in. Most mirror the disappointment of Senate Republicans over campaign finance reforms that fell short of expectations.

On the question of campaign finance reform, at the end of October lawmakers passed a measure which, for the first time, will establish campaign contribution limits on individuals, business and labor organizations. However, the legislation contained a major loophole exempting legislative leaders and political parties from much of the limits.

Some newspaper editorials have labeled the legislation a promotion of the status quo, and many of the editorials mirrored concerns raised by lawmakers who voted against the measure. They noted that the impeachment and indictment of former Governor Rod Blagojevich created a climate that offered a rare opportunity for real change. There is concern that because lawmakers did not take full advantage of the opportunity to push forward more stringent reforms, they have lost their chance to see the legislation signed into law.