Senate Rules Committee hears bill to limit campaign contributions.
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Senate Rules Committee hears bill to limit campaign contributions.

Date: March 20, 2012
By: Paige Hornor
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 546

Intro: 
The Senate Rules Committee heard a bill that would re-establish limits on campaign contributions.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The bill would create limits for donations from individuals and committees in support of candidates running for office.

Committees that accept or give contributions exceeding the limit would be subject to surcharges.

Sponsor of the Bill Republican Howell County Senator Chuck Purgason says this bill is an issue of ethics.

Actuality:  PURGAS2.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "What I've seen is unlimited contributions has allowed special interest to control the process."

He says placing a cap on the contributions would allow equal campaigning opportunities for candidates.

Similar legislation was blocked in 2010.

But the governor's office says they support this bill.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Paige Hornor.

Intro: 
The Senate Rules Committee heard a bill Tuesday that would place a cap on campaign contributions.
RunTime:  0:36
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The bill limits campaign donations for both individuals and committees - - That's what Howell County Republican Senator Chuck Purgason's bill would do.

Republicans repealed voter approved limits in 2008. 

But Republican Purgason says creating a limit would create a level playing field for candidates.

Actuality:  PURGAS1.WAV
Run Time:  00:08
Description: "I believe that we've allowed certain individuals to invest in certain individuals and control the whole process of the body as a whole."

The bill will be heard by the committee a second time before being voted on and has the support of the governor's office.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Paige Hornor.

Intro: 
Missouri lawmakers removed limits on campaign contributions in 2008, but a new bill would bring those voter approved limits back.
RunTime:  0:35
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Republican Howell County Senator Chuck Purgason introduced the bill. He says limits would make campaigning more ethical.

St. Louis County Democratic Senator Jolie Justus says she has seen support for campaign contribution limits from both the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street movements.

Actuality:  JUSTUS2.WAV
Run Time:  00:05
Description: "Something that I think the majority of Missourians and people across the country are interested in reforming."

No one spoke against the bill in the committee meeting. The bill needs to be read a second time before being voted on.

Governor Nixon's office says they are in support of this bill.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Paige Hornor.