Dollars and Sense: Two Wisconsin lawmakers call for campaign finance reform.

• Date: 07 May 2007

Byline: Jack Zemlicka

"The public is aware that elections have become a big money game for rich players and those without the funds don't get to play," said state Sen. Fred A. Risser (D-Madison) who, along with state Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison), is calling for campaign reform to include full public financing of statewide elections. Though a similar proposal failed to gain support two years ago, unprecedented spending during recent elections for governor, attorney general and state Supreme Court justice has prompted lawmakers to try and curb the involvement of outside interest groups and promote competition. Risser said the proposal has been circulated throughout the Legislature and it will be formally introduced in early May. "I would certainly think there is a better chance this time around of getting things changed, which is not to say this proposal will pass, but at least it gets things moving in the right direction again," said Risser. Creating Competition The two legislators used the successful reforms instituted in Maine and Arizona as models for what they describe as a realistic version in Wisconsin. Full public financing has flourished in both states and Pocan expected the same could be true here. "This is not just a theory because this has worked in other states, so hopefully people realize the validity of this...