voters guide 2004
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Issue 3: Limiting Political Contributions and Reforming Campaign Finance

Issue 3 Certified Ballot Language

Issue 3 Ballot Board Explanation and Argument FOR

Issue 3 Ballot Board Argument AGAINST

League Explanation:

This proposal would establish limits on contributions to candidates, political action committees, and political parties. Further, it would establish a number of additional prohibitions relating to contributions. It would also provide for public disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures.

League Pros:

  1. The proposal would strike down recently enacted $10,000 contribution limits and reduce limits to $2,000.
  2. The proposal would limit contributions from individuals under the age of 18, unless the contribution comes from the individual’s personal funds (thereby eliminating contributions from parents on behalf of their children without the children’s participation).
  3. The proposal reinstates Ohio’s long-standing prohibition of political contributions from corporations.

League Cons:

  1. This proposal would place dollar limits for campaign contributions in the Ohio Constitution that may become unrealistic in the face of rising campaign costs and will be difficult to change. This level of detail does not belong in the Constitution.
  2. Overly broad provisions of the amendment may impinge on individuals’ right to freedom of speech while participating in the political process, and are vulnerable to constitutional challenge.
  3. The current limits, which increased substantially in the past year, allow contributors to give to the candidate of their choice without resorting to evasive tactics to circumvent low limits.

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