By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Senate has given tentative approval to a bill that would once again do away with campaign contribution limits.
A similar bill was passed two years ago, but those limits were restored last summer by the Missouri Supreme Court.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Charlie Shields (R, St. Joseph) says this version is better than the one tossed out by the High Court.
"(It) removes contribution limits, but at the same time it has one little addition to it...it says that contributions over $5,000 have to be reported electronically within 48 hours of when they're received," Shields said.
Some Democrats tried to derail the bill by attempting to add on amendments.
One would have allowed Missourians to direct $3 from their state income tax returns to fund political campaigns.
The sponsor, State Senator Jeff Smith (D, St. Louis), says it was offered as an alternative to Senator Shields' bill.
"It keeps good people who run for office from being put in very difficult positions, because we have to spend far too much time raising money and not enough time listening to our constituents," Smith said.
A final vote on removing contribution limits will be held later.