By Bob Katzen
House 146-10, Senate 34-6, approved a new law that requires the names of the top five contributors who donate over $5,000 to a super Political Action Committee (PAC) and other groups or political committees to be listed on all campaign billboards and mailers. Prior law required the listing of the top five donors only on television, Internet and print ads.
Super PACs are created to help candidates and are often run by the candidate’s former staffers or associates who use the PAC to fund positive ads about the candidate and/or negative ads against the candidate’s opponents. There is a limit on how much money can be donated to a candidate’s own election committee but super PACs can legally accept unlimited donations. The new law was in effect for the 2016 election.
Supporters say the new law increases transparency and allows more voters to see who is funding these influential PACs. They say it shines the light on this “dark” money.
Opponents say the new law does not go far enough on several counts to make true campaign finance reforms. They note it still allows unions to contribute excessive money to campaigns.
(A “Yes” vote is for the new law. A “No” vote against it.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Denise Provost Yes Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes