House Committee Passes Campaign Finance Bill
In a victory for common sense, the House Government Operations Committee voted 9-0 in favor of a VPIRG-backed campaign finance bill on Friday, Feb. 8th. The bill (S.278) had Democratic, Progressive and Republican support, and it now heads for a vote of the full House on Feb 13th.
If youre more than a casual reader of political news in Vermont, you know that VPIRG has been attacked by a bevy of right-wing ideologues lately including John McClaughry, Jack McMullen and Rob Roper. One of the reasons theyre so upset is because weve been leading the charge for fair elections in the state. It apparently bothers them to no end that the public wants more of a voice in how candidates are elected and legislators of all political stripes are listening.
Even Gov. Jim Douglas, who vetoed the campaign finance bill last year, has adopted a much more moderate tone this year than the head of his party, Mr. Roper. Roper has aligned himself instead with Indiana attorney Jim Bopp, who insulted and threatened legislators after being allowed the courtesy of testifying by phone.
Since the bill had support from all three major parties in committee, its likely to pass with overwhelming support on the House floor. We expect that it will have the support of more than two-thirds of those present. That will be a strong message to the governor.
Douglas wanted legislators to leave a massive loophole in Vermont law that allowed unlimited giving from political parties. They declined. So, will he veto a bill that puts reasonable limits on what individuals, corporations, political action committees and parties can give to candidates?
We cant predict that. But if he does, its likely he will be overridden and we would not be surprised to see moderate Republicans in both chambers joining with independents, Progressives and Democrats to support the bill.
This is a good time to let you House member(s) know that you support S.278 and you expect them to do so too!
Paul
If youre more than a casual reader of political news in Vermont, you know that VPIRG has been attacked by a bevy of right-wing ideologues lately including John McClaughry, Jack McMullen and Rob Roper. One of the reasons theyre so upset is because weve been leading the charge for fair elections in the state. It apparently bothers them to no end that the public wants more of a voice in how candidates are elected and legislators of all political stripes are listening.
Even Gov. Jim Douglas, who vetoed the campaign finance bill last year, has adopted a much more moderate tone this year than the head of his party, Mr. Roper. Roper has aligned himself instead with Indiana attorney Jim Bopp, who insulted and threatened legislators after being allowed the courtesy of testifying by phone.
Since the bill had support from all three major parties in committee, its likely to pass with overwhelming support on the House floor. We expect that it will have the support of more than two-thirds of those present. That will be a strong message to the governor.
Douglas wanted legislators to leave a massive loophole in Vermont law that allowed unlimited giving from political parties. They declined. So, will he veto a bill that puts reasonable limits on what individuals, corporations, political action committees and parties can give to candidates?
We cant predict that. But if he does, its likely he will be overridden and we would not be surprised to see moderate Republicans in both chambers joining with independents, Progressives and Democrats to support the bill.
This is a good time to let you House member(s) know that you support S.278 and you expect them to do so too!
Paul
Labels: campaign finance, democracy
posted by Sean at
9:36 AM
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