While the appetite for political reform is strong among Illinois voters, key legislators in Springfield aren't exhibiting a ton of interest in solving the problem of big money influence. Various campaign finance proposals are on the table already, but Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton have shown lukewarm support for even the most basic reforms. For instance, Cullerton told the State Journal-Register editorial board yesterday that campaign contribution limits could pass but should be flexible so politicians won't be "constantly raising money."

Illinois' senior U.S. senator isn't showing the same reticence in Washington. Dick Durbin and a bipartisan group of lawmakers will introduce legislation this week to create an ambitious voluntary public campaign financing system for congressional elections. Titled the Fair Elections Now Act, this is a retooled version of the bill Durbin introduced last session, which died before reaching a floor vote.

The Washington Post details the bill's specifics:

If the bill becomes law, Durbin said he would opt into the public financing system. Under the proposal, House candidates would qualify for public money by raising a minimum of $50,000 from at least 1,500 people in their home states. The minimum for Senate candidates would vary by state, based on population.

Qualified House candidates would receive $900,000 in public funding, split 40 percent for the primary campaign and 60 percent for the general campaign. Senate candidates would receive $1.25 million, plus additional money based on the size of their states. For candidates in particularly competitive races or those facing self-financed opponents, the system would match donations of $100 or less from in-state contributors at a ratio of four to one, meaning $4 in public money for every $1 raised.

The proposal will certainly face scrutiny. According to the Wall Street Journal, business and lobbying groups are expected to challenge the bill's constitutionality in court. And just like in Springfield, many incumbent lawmakers will rationalize blocking a solid reform to protect the status quo. But it's a fight Durbin says is necessary to invigorate the democratic process. "If you really want to change Washington and you want to take special interests impact off of Capitol Hill," he said, "you have to get to the heart of the matter, and that means the way we finance campaigns."

The reform community agrees. A host of the most influential good government groups have all endorsed Durbin's bill and have promised to lobby hard for its passage. With large-donor clout solidifying at the congressional level, a possible summer-time vote couldn't come soon enough.