Electric and gambling interests have pumped more than $1.3 million combined into the campaign funds of key public officials, according to analysis of reports filed recently with the State Board of Elections. At the same time, these interests are asking legislators to support legislation to grow their bottom line. "With all this money on the table, it's hard for voters interests to be heard," said David Morrison, Deputy Director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR), which tabulated the numbers.
The Illinois General Assembly returns for legislative session next week, and among the bills they will consider are proposals to enact so-called "SmartGrid" electricity delivery systems and to expand gambling around the state.
"As regulated industries, both gambling and electric utilities depend on state laws and regulations for their economic viability. Both have a history of using campaign donations to advance their public policy goals," said Morrison.
The Smart Grid proposal would change the way electricity rates are set, allowing companies like Commonwealth Edison and Ameren to charge more to upgrade the transmission system. Electric companies have given $939,680 to officials, candidates, and political parties in 2011. Top donors are Ameren, affiliated companies and employees ($399,188); Commonwealth Edison, its parent company Exelon, related companies and employees ($262,422); and Midwest Generation ($93,450). Top recipients are the Senate Democratic Victory Committee ($89,750), Citizens to Elect Tom Cross ($62,500), and the House Democratic Majority ($45,100).
The gambling proposal would allow for 5 new casinos in the state, including one in the City of Chicago; as well as slot machines at existing race tracks; and gambling positions at O'Hare and Midway airports, the state fair grounds, and other locations. Gambling interests gave $388,000 to candidates and officials in 2011, including $304,300 from racetracks, $68,516 from existing casinos, and $15,100 from other gambling interests. Top recipients include Chicago for Rahm Emanuel ($74,550), the Senate Democratic Victory Fund ($23,700), and Citizens to Elect Tom Cross ($23,050).
ICPR has been tracking campaign money since 1997, and was instrumental in the passage of contribution limits in 2009. Founded by former US Sen. Paul Simon and then-Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra, ICPR works on a bipartisan basis to improve campaign finance, government ethics and voter education. "ICPR will vigilantly monitor how campaign finance influences public policy decisions by elected representatives," said Brian Gladstein, ICPR Executive Director.
The Sunshine Database includes records reported by all statewide officials, legislators, and Cook County officials, as well as elected officials and 2011 candidates for office in the City of Chicago. Once candidates file petitions for the 2012 elections, ICPR will add reports for candidates and challengers in the 2012 elections, in addition to reports for incumbents.
The Sunshine Database is available through ICPR's website, www.ilcampaign.org. The Sunshine Database is now updated with all electronically reported receipts from January 1, 2011 through October 18 at 9 am, and receipts reported on paper through June 30. These include all contributions of $150 or more received by September 30, and all contributions of $1,000 or more received in October. Expenditures, fund balances, and receipts reported on paper will be updated in the coming weeks.
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