Vt. Senate rushes to OK campaign finance bill

January 21, 2008

MONTPELIER — The bill establishing new contribution limits for Vermont political campaigns was hurried through the Senate last week with just enough time for a nearly party-line vote. It gained final Senate approval Friday and has now moved on to the House.

Paul Burns, the head of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, gave members of the Senate advice in how to write the campaign finance law. It is legally defensible, he said.

"The bill has been changed in a number of ways that make it comport with all of the guidance given to us by the Supreme Court," Burns said. "The Legislature has listened and responded to all of the guidance the Supreme Court gave. It is as defensible as it can be and still have some meaning."

"They sought our advice and counsel on this," Burns said. The legislators also heard from the Vermont Republican Party and Bopp as well. "That is part of our process here," Burns said, pointing out that Vermont's citizen Legislature has a limited staff.

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