A campaign finance bill that would clear the way for larger donor contributions is on the move in the Kentucky House. The Elections Committee approved the measure Monday. Among other things, it would allow for individual and political action committee donations to increase from $1,000 to $2,000 dollars. House Speaker Greg Stumbo is chief sponsor of the bill. “One of the things that’s wrong with American politics these days is this influx of huge out of state dark money, soft money, whatever you want to call it,” said Stumbo. “All this does is try to level the playing field a bit.”
Stumbo says lower limits were implemented following the legislative Boptrot bribery scandal in the early 1990’s. He says these many years later an increase in donation limits is appropriate.
Common Cause State Chair Richard Beliles spoke in opposition to the measure. He fears it will ultimately mean more money and special interest influence in Kentucky races. “Even the money for in-state money they talk about, well it’s in-state money, it’s better that out of state money," Beliles said. "That’s not gonna come from the modest income people. That’s gonna come from the upper income people in Kentucky."
A similar bill was considered during the waning hours of last year’s general assembly session.?
