It would appear as though this will be the year (2010 General Session) that the Utah Legislature will impose campaign finance restrictions on itself.  The question that remains is “How much?”

Last Thursday afternoon, the Governor’s Commission on Strengthening Utah’s Democracy, unanimously passed a resolution that would create contribution limits on candidates seeking public office at the state level.  The resolution, an advisory recommendation to Governor Gary Herbert, may or may not be passed-on following his careful review to the Utah Legislature for vetting through the normal legislative process.  Nevertheless, a bill file has already been requested by Rep. Craig Frank (R-Cedar Hills), a member of the Governor’s Commission,  that takes the recommendations of the Commission and creates “DRAFT” language creating a baseline for legislative debate.

In a recent interview, Rep. Frank said “It would be short-sighted for anyone to believe that the final bill proposal for the Governor’s signature will come out  the other side of the 2010 General Legislative Session looking like it did when it entered.”  Rep. Frank further warned that, “the legislative process is broad and deep…and, many people will ‘touch‘ this bill–the public, legislators, special-interest groups, the executive branch, democrats and republicans alike–before it reaches its final form.  The Commission was an advisory group of respected individuals throughout our community who were charged with the task of making recommendations on Campaign Finance issues to the Governor; however, the People’s elected representatives have  an historic and structured process for deliberating such matters before these very important recommendations from the Governor’s Commission are passed into law!  My bill creates the framework for constructive and thoughtful debate.”

Rep. Frank also has a bill file opened to address another proposal for Campaign Finance.  What is the idea gaining broader support among his legislative colleagues?  Total Disclosure and Transparency.  You Take It…You Report It!  This proposal requires legislators (or any elected public office holder) to report on the state’s disclosure website ANYTHING they receive from ANY source.   Rep. Frank suggests that “term limits are at the ballot box.”  He also believes that if voters had access to a ‘total disclosure’ website…they may be more inclined to carefully follow their representative’s political finances.”

For more on this issue:

Salt Lake Tribune, Cathy Mckitrick

Deseret News, Bob Bernick