Earlier this month, Illinois Campaign for Political Reform’s David Morrison told us that legislation to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and make certain Inspector General probes public, both of which moved forward last week, would greatly improve oversight and accountability in Springfield. But to mend the Prairie State’s ways, he added, “we need campaign finance reform.” In her column yesterday, the Sun-Times’ Carol Marin echoed those sentiments:

It’s time for Quinn’s Reform Commission, headed by former U.S. Attorney Pat Collins, to hurry up and write a piece of tough-minded legislation.

And time for the joint legislative ethics commission convened by [Speaker Michael] Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton to admit they’re only in business to make sure not too much reform happens when it comes to the money.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan has spearheaded the FOIA legislation, as well as a separate bill to protect the Public Access Counselor position. But where does she stand on the various campaign finance reform proposals circulating in Springfield?

So far, she’s lining up behind State Rep. Harry Osterman’s HB 24, which would cap individual contributions at $2,300 and union, corporate, and interest group donations at $5,000.

According to spokeswoman Robyn Ziegler, Madigan thinks “it’s the most comprehensive of the bills” in play. (Of note: Madigan currently has $3.5 million in her campaign war chest, which would giver her a huge advantage over future competitors bound by new limits.)  When asked about proposed legislation to institute public financing for judicial elections and legislative races, Madigan's office said they would not comment until the full language is added to the bills.

As for the other ethics measures being pushed by Madigan, HB 4165 would protect the citizens’ Public Access Counselor by making it a permanent fixture in the AG’s office and also give the now-advisory position subpoena powers. We highlighted this important post last fall after then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s cut funding for the office.

Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) is the chief sponsor of that measure along with HB 1370, which would add teeth to FOIA by creating penalties for non-compliance. Meanwhile, Chicago Democrat Rep. Constance Howard’s HB 4320 would shed light on the thousands of Inspector General reports that would otherwise remain locked away.

Combined, the measures “set a new standard for conducting the people’s business” Madigan said in a release:

“To move the state forward, we must reestablish the public’s confidence in its government. Ensuring transparency in government is a critical first step.”