In our latest feature article, Adam notes that Rod Blagojevich's removal from office could clear the way for some far-reaching -- and much-needed -- campaign finance restrictions in Illinois.  On WTTW's Chicago Tonight yesterday, former state comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch echoed that sentiment.  She highlighted the "window of opportunity" created by Blagojevich's departure and cited caps on campaign contributions as "essential."  Watch it:

Netsch's observation that "it can't just be legislators" pushing these sorts of reforms is very important.  Grassroots and institutional support is going to be crucial.  And to that point, I want to highlight the fact that SEIU Illinois (which sponsors this website) is itself pushing for strict restrictions on campaign contributions, which bodes well for the cause.  From Adam's article:  

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is pushing to eliminate corporate and union contributions entirely and cap individual contributions at $1,000 -- a proposal more aggressive than even [Rep. Harry] Osterman's bill.

SEIU Illinois State Council executive director Jerry Morrison acknowledges that their position appears counter-intuitive; after all, SEIU operates the state's largest political action committee. But he says the union would prefer to get out of the campaign finance arms race: "Unions will always have an advantage over the business community when it comes to organizing. But if it comes down to money, as big as we are, we’re going to lose out every time."