Regnat Populus, the grassroots good government group, has begun its effort to tighten campaign finance law and increase the transparency of campaign spending.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel yesterday released an opinion rejecting a first draft of a proposed constitutional amendment, but that was expected and changes are already in the mill. The measure aims at regulating “electioneering communications” (think ads transparently meant to have political impact but lacking explicit advocacy words like “vote against”; to require reporting of contributors to independent expenditure campaigns, and it urges Arkansas lawmakers to support a constitutional amendment to negate the Citizens United ruling.

Advertisement

McDaniel rejected the proposal for various ambiguities and typographical errors. The people working on it expected and this and will be working on revisions. Plus, they plan to add some ideas to tighten newly approved Issue 3, which allows some exceptions for gifts to legislators already being exploited (travel paid by outside groups, for example) and also to prohibit contributions by PACs to state campaigns if the PACs accept corporate money.

The ban on corporate contributions to individual political campaigns may prove in the short run one of the greatest advancements in Issue 3. Some legislators would have no campaign money at all but for corporate money. A lawsuit will be filed to attempt to overturn this restriction. In the meanwhile, candidates may have to scramble. Or run cheaper campaigns. Of course, independent dark-money groups will stay busy, such as the Kochs’ Americans for Prosperity.

Advertisement

It’s not an easy path to the 2016 ballot. But national groups’ interest in repealing Citizens United could translate into some financial support for this ballot effort.

Advertisement

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article UPDATE: Honorable confirmed to federal energy commission seat Next article Henderson State faces embarrassing audit on misspending