All of the lawmakers expressed support for segments of the campaign finance reform package that has been proposed by Governor Spitzer and is now under consideration. Senator DeFrancisco said he would support a $50,000 contribution limit to housekeeping accounts. Currently, donations to such accounts are unlimited, a major loophole that allows millions of special interest dollars to flow into our political system unchecked.

DeFrancisco also said that the Senate is open to public financing for statewide candidates.

He agreed that big money has an impact in Albany, especially at the end of session when special interests give large sums of campaign cash to influence big ticket items.

Senator DeFrancisco and Assembly Member Stirpe brought up the issue of 527s as something that should be part of campaign finance package. Senator Valesky stated that he supports campaign finance reform, and ultimately, public financing of elections.

All representatives said they need to hear more from their constituents on this issue to be compelled to act. As a first start, individuals can visit CC/NY's "I Give a Hoot" action page to send a message to Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno letting him know that, despite his recent comments that “nobody gives two hoots” about campaign finance reform, New Yorkers want change. As of this writing, over 900 people have taken this action.

http://www.commoncause.org/IGiveAHoot

So, it’s onward to Rochester, and then to future local forums planned in Schenectady and Manhattan. Tonight should be another interesting exchange that continues to keep pressure on legislators to advance real reform this session. We will continue our effort to get citizens to adopt their legislators on this issue: http://www.wamc.org/comleon.html.