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

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 proposal," said Pocan. The state plan calls for approximately $12 million of annual tax money to be set aside in a "Clean Election" fund to be accessed by qualified candidates. Those candidates would need to adhere to requirements, which include collection of a certain amount of $5-donations. As few as 100 would be needed for state Assembly candidates and as many as 3,000 would be needed for gubernatorial hopefuls. Once a candidate meets the criteria, a grant would be awarded based on the office sought. For example, gubernatorial candidates would receive $2 million in financing for the general election, and $1 million for the primary, if needed. Any additional fundraising would be prohibited, and candidates would be limited to self-contributions of $100, but if an opponent opts out of public financing and spends more than the grant amount, matching funds up to two-and-a-half times the original grant would be awarded. Any unused grant money after an election would be returned to the fund. "It would really level the playing field and get candidates, who have been priced out, back into the picture without having to take a...