JEFFERSON CITY—On May 16, 2008, legislation was truly agreed to and finally passed, eliminating Missouri’s campaign contribution limits. Critics have said this led to an increasing deterioration in accountability by elected officials and public involvement. Senator Paul LeVota, D-Independence, has diligently pursued reinstating campaign finance limits, carrying his efforts from the Missouri House to the Senate, and intends to continue to pursue this issue during the 98th General Assembly.

“The repeal of these limits have led to a financial ‘free-for-all’ in the past four election cycles. As predicted, the lack of limits have decreased accountability from elected officials and citizen participation in the process,” said Sen. LeVota. “We now have a state government that seems removed from ordinary citizens and the needs of people. Missourians from all sides of the political spectrum feel that their own government is more interested in marginal issues instead of focusing on improving our state.”

Senator LeVota has prefiled legislation which would establish campaign contribution limits. If this legislation is successful, campaign limits would consist of: $10,000 for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, or attorney general; $5,000 for senators; $2,000 for representatives; and $2,000 for any other office, including judicial.

“Since the elimination of finance limits for campaigns we have witnessed campaign finances grow with the increased funds going toward political attacks on opponents, an increase in funds used in retaliation to these attacks have also grown,” said Sen. LeVota. “During this time, voter and public involvement has decreased, and accountability has suffered and the true needs of Missouri, such as education reform, crime reduction and health care accessibility, have been overlooked.”

“I believe it is a root problem that is limiting the progress of many other issues in our legislature. Our state government will never focus on the true needs of its citizens while there are no limits to campaign contributions,” said Sen. LeVota. “It is important that we keep this issue in the forefront in hopes to create change.”