An Illinois senator wants to give the public a stronger voice in Illinois elections.
Sen. Dan Biss (D-Evanston) proposed a bill that would create a donor match program for constitutional offices and legislative elections. He says it would allow everyday people to have a greater impact on political races.
"What it says is there's going to be two ways to fund a campaign," he says. "You can fund a campaign in the old way, with big money, or you can fund a campaign the people's way, by having ordinary people contribute $25, $50, $100, $150 and have those contributions matched at a six-to-one level so that it will be enough resources to allow you to communicate your message."
Biss says the matches would reduce the influence of big donors and special interests.
The measure is also supported by David Melton, head of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. He suggests the measure will also help ordinary candidates gain parity with the super-wealthy.