Chicago, IL … State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) opposed the latest attempt to reform campaign finance this week during veto session stating it will not regain the public’s trust in Illinois’ political landscape.

“Illinois residents are demanding change from the status-quo of state politics. Unfortunately this legislation does not truly reform campaign finance, instead it reduces the political power of the voter and increases the political heavyweights’ grip on the legislature,” said McAuliffe.

Senate Bill 1466 includes campaign contribution caps for individuals, corporations, unions and political action committees. However, the bill does not limit contributions from a political party to a candidate during a general election. Instead it caps political party contributions during a primary election.

House Republicans filed an amendment to SB 1466 to make the limits on party contributions apply not only for the primary election, but also for the general election.  Democrats blocked the Republican proposal in the House Rules Committee.

“The original legislation didn’t go far enough, which is why I supported the House Republican initiative to cap party contributions for not only the primary, but also the general election, which is where the true power of the political bosses is shown. In a single race, hundreds of thousands of dollars is spent by political parties to help one candidate win. We have to limit the influence of political bosses and put the Illinois legislature back in the hands of the voters.,” said McAuliffe.