The Press on Campaign Finance rules for Michigan

Today, the Grand Rapids Press ran as a front-page story about what the new Election Campaign Finance rules will mean in Michigan. The article begins by talking about the history of attacks ads that we have all come to know during the election season.

The Press mentions the Supreme Court decision in October of 2009, which will provide private entities greater opportunities to inject money into the political process. However, the Press does not include any of the details of that Supreme Court decision and what the potential harm it will do to the democratic process.

The article cites several sources, including the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the state chapter of the AFL-CIO, both of which will no doubt use the opportunity to increase funding for political ads and other campaign financing tactics. Both the Michigan Chamber and unions that are part of the AFL-CIO have been amongst the top donors to Michigan campaigns, as is noted in the 2008 report put out by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network (MCFN).

The Press does cite Rich Robinson with the MCFN, but also Craig Ruff with the Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants. Both Robinson and Ruff express concerns about what Michigan Secretary of State Terry Land will do in regards to how Michigan will adopt the new Campaign Finance ruling, although Ruff seems more optimistic that Land will “will err on the side of disclosure.”

The Press article also does not discuss Land’s history as chairperson for previous election campaign committees, nor the potential conflict of interest as a running mate with gubernatorial candidate Mike Bouchard. Since there are fewer campaign finance restrictions placed on private donors, does Land’s position as a candidate put her in conflict with decisions she has to make about how the State will deal with campaign finance rules? The Press article states that Land will announce her decision within the next week.