Campaign Reform Gets Cool Reception Stubbs Angered By Changes Made To Finance Measure

Although there was a lot of squawking during and after the last election about campaign finances, members of the Idaho Legislature don’t seem excited about changing the laws.

Members of the House State Affairs Committee on Monday made substantial changes in a proposal from Rep. Mark Stubbs, R-Twin Falls, to require more reporting from lobbyists. It was approved for introduction, but Stubbs said it was changed so much that it wasn’t his legislation anymore.

Then, after a long discussion, the panel abruptly adjourned without taking final action on a second proposal from Stubbs, to require written permission from contributors before money could be shifted from one candidate to another.

Gov. Phil Batt has called for campaign finance reform this session. Last week, the Senate State Affairs Committee voted introduction of the governor’s package, but members predicted rough sledding for them.

“It looks to me like there are some real difficulties on these,” said Sen. James Risch, R-Boise, the GOP’s floor leader.

The House panel will continue working on Stubbs’ money transfer bill today.

Stubbs said that under current laws, if a statewide candidate has substantial campaign donations and doesn’t face a serious challenge, that candidate can donate to other candidates.

“This has occurred and I don’t think it’s proper,” Stubbs said.

If someone donates to a candidate, with the expectation that the money will be used for that candidate’s race, the donor should be asked permission if the candidate wants to give the money to someone else.

“The least you can do is get their permission,” he said. “I feel you owe them an obligation to get their permission.”

Some committee members didn’t like the idea.

“You are adding more complications to candidates at a very busy time,” said Rep. Ruby Stone, R-Boise.

Idaho is one of the few states with no limits on contributions.