GOP proposal would open floodgates of special interest, lobbyist spending in elections

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Mark Dayton and DFL legislative leaders are taking a stand this session to limit the influence of lobbyists and special interest groups in Minnesota elections. Governor Dayton, joined by Rep. Paul Thissen, Sen. Katie Sieben, and Rep. Ryan Winkler, spoke out today against a provision in the House State Government Finance Bill that would open the floodgates of unlimited financial contributions from lobbyists and special interests in state elections.

 

"A terrible decision by the United States Supreme Court opened the flood gates for undisclosed, large contributions to try to buy the political process," said Governor Mark Dayton. "This is the Republican Party's attempt in Minnesota to extend that statewide, and open the floodgates still further. I salute the legislators who are here today for their strong opposition, and I join them in that opposition."

 

The bill (SF888), which was passed by the House GOP over the objections of every single DFL lawmaker, would eliminate campaign spending limits for candidates for governor, constitutional offices, and state legislative races. It would also allow unlimited contributions from political action committees (PACs) or lobbyists. Meanwhile, the legislation would eliminate Minnesota's public campaign finance program in its entirety - limiting the ability of Minnesota citizens to participate in the democratic process.

 

"This is an attempt to concentrate more political power in the hands of corporate special interests while making it harder for the average Minnesota to have a voice in their government," said House DFL Leader Paul Thissen. "All session we have seen this House Republican majority put corporate special interests ahead of Minnesotans and this is the worst example. They are trying to give more influence to the well-connected insiders that already have plenty. We should be making it easier for Minnesotans to participate in their state government, not less."

 

According to the Campaign Finance Institute, Minnesota currently ranks second in the nation for the proportion of campaign contributions from donors who gave $250 or less. In fact, in 2012 Minnesota candidates received 66 percent of their privately raised money from donors who gave $250 or less, compared to just 16 percent in the median state. But legislation being pushed this session by the House GOP would reverse that trend, and increase the influence of lobbyist and special interest money in Minnesota elections.

 

"The Legislature should pass campaign finance reform legislation that increases transparency. The House Republicans go in the complete opposite direction: what they propose is the corporate takeover of the state legislature," said Senator Katie Sieben. "Instead of campaigns being fueled by small donors, it appears the House Republicans favor unlimited spending by special interests to buy legislative seats. Minnesotans should be suspicious of why the Republicans want corporate interests to drone out the say of everyday, hard-working Minnesotans who care about the future of our state."

 

Along with opening the doors for more special interest donations in our elections, House Republicans have blocked effort this session to increase disclosure among corporate donors. They have blocked HF 43, a bill authored by Rep. Ryan Winkler that would eliminate a campaign finance loophole that exempts certain political groups from reporting spending on "issue" mailers, even if they advocate for or against a candidate.

 

"What Republicans are lining up could create a perfect circle of corruption," said Rep. Winkler. "Corporate special interests are already spending record amounts to elect representatives who then put their interests first at the legislature. With no restrictions on campaign donations, those same special interests can better fund the next campaign to re-elect those same representatives. This undermines public trust and would further reduce the role that average Minnesotans are able to play in state elections."

 

The Republican budget, passed last week by the House GOP Majority, favors the same special interests that would be able to give unlimited money to political candidates under the Republican plan. For example, the biggest winners in the House Republican Tax Bill are large corporations and businesses, which would receive billions of dollars in in permanent tax cuts. By contrast, Governor Dayton and DFL legislators are proposing significant investments in education and transportation, and tax cuts for middle class Minnesotans.