Gov. Pat Quinn wants campaign finance limits in place for next year's election, a key component of his effort to clean up state government.
The Democrat wants lawmakers to pass the contribution limits proposed by the reform commission he created in the wake of the scandal surrounding ousted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Quinn contends limits would level the political playing field, undoubtedly helping someone like him who isn't rolling in campaign dough.
Quinn had $83,512 in his campaign fund at the end of the year, while Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a possible gubernatorial candidate, had almost $3.5 million.
Quinn is suggesting that candidates with hefty campaign funds donate their cash to a good cause or not-for-profit group if limits prevent them from using the money in the next election.
Quinn also called on lawmakers to have an up or down vote on every proposal that comes out of the reform commission he created.
Quinn says it's a reasonable request to make of House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton.
A vote by lawmakers is the least, Quinn says, the Legislature can do after weeks of hard work by the Illinois Reform Commission.
Quinn testified at the commission's Thursday meeting in Chicago. The group is gearing up to provide a final report by the end of the month.
It is proposing reforms on everything from campaign finance and state procurement to public corruption investigations and other issues.