Ill. lawmakers OK caps on political donations

[October 31, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois lawmakers have approved the state's first limits on the size of political contributions - one of the highest-profile ethics proposals since former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's (blah-GOY'-uh-viches) impeachment.

But the legislation passed by the state Senate on Friday would still let major political leaders donate as much money as they want in general elections. Gov. Pat Quinn says he'll sign the bill.

Cindi Canary, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, says voters should see it as a step toward repairing the damage done by two Illinois governor scandals.

Former Gov. George Ryan is in prison right now. Blagojevich, Ryan's successor, is awaiting trial on accusations he tried to sell President Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat.

[Associated Press]

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