Democrats Defeat Campaign Finance Reform Measure in GAE Committee

This afternoon in the Government Administration and Elections Committee, legislative Democrats defeated a measure offered by House Republicans requiring that under the new system of taxpayer-financed campaigns, all campaign items produced by campaigns accepting public funds would have a disclaimer saying that it is paid for in part by taxpayer dollars.Representatives John Hetherington (R-125) and David Labriola (R-131) argued that campaign materials purchased with state dollars ought to have a notice on them that demonstrates the items were paid for with public funds. 

The measure was defeated by Democrats on a vote of 4-7.  Chariman Chris Caruso (D-126) led the opposition to the measure, and committee vice chair Diana Urban (D-43) called the Republican measure “offensive” claiming most people already know that their tax money is being used for the”ground breaking and inclusive” program.

Democrats are demonstrating this session that while they are proud to be taking taxpayer dollars to pay for legislative campaigns, they aren’t very eager to remind taxpayers that come this campaign season over $10 million of their money will be used to buy bumper stickers, buttons and lawn signs.