Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
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A bill that would limit the amount individuals and groups can contribute to political candidates has passed the Senate State Government Committee on a 10 to 5 vote Wednesday afternoon.
Senate File 181 was amended before passage to flip donation limits on individuals and political committees. Individuals would be prohibited from contributing more than to $4,000 to a candidate for statewide office, $1,000 to an Iowa House candidate and $2,000 to an Iowa Senate candidate during an election campaign cycle or the time period between elections.
Political committees and parties would be limited to a $2,000 contribution to a statewide candidate, $500 to an Iowa House candidate and $1,000 to an Iowa Senate candidate.
Iowa is one of 13 states that impose almost no restrictions on the amount of money politicians can accept from individuals and political action committees.
“The role of money in politics is always controversial,” said Sen. Staci Appel, D-Ackworth, chairwoman of the Senate State Government Committee. “I believe now is the time for policymakers to address Iowans’ concerns and the disgust with high-spending campaigns.”
Activist group Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement praised the vote, calling it the first step toward public financing of elections.
“Campaign contribution limits will be a step towards officials representing us rather than campaign donors,” said CCI member Kurt Kelsey, a farmer from Iowa Falls. “It seems like once folks are in office, they have to start raising money again immediately [for their next campaign]. Campaign contribution limits will start to reduce the influence that wealthy donors and special interests have.”
A similar bill was introduced in the House State Government Committee last month, however it’s limits are much higher. Individuals could donate $10,000 in cash and an additional $10,000 of in-kind donation to statewide candidates for both the primary and general election; $1,000 of cash and $1,000 of in-kind donation for state Senate candidates for both the primary and general election; and $500 cash and $500 in-kind donation for state House candidates for both the primary and general election.
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