KUTV.com - Sen. Jim Dabakis (D-Salt Lake City) wants Utah to join the majority of states across the country that have limitations on campaign contributions."This unlimited amount of money pouring into political campaigns does the system grave, grave damage," Dabakis said. "If you look at all the problems with the attorney general's office, the root of all evil is cash, is money, is political contributions."A special investigator hired by the Utah House of Representatives said the campaign organization for former Utah Attorney General John Swallow misused campaign funds. Swallow stepped down last month, amidst allegations of bribery and other charges, while denying any wrongdoing."These lobbyists - people that have contracts with the state of Utah - can go up and say, 'Thank you so much for the good job you're doing, Governor,' and hand a check – and do hand a check - for 10, 20, 30, 50 thousand dollars," Dabakis said. "And to pretend that that has no effect, that's like in John Swallowville. It's not accepting the reality."Dabakis is proposing a $10,000 cap for campaign contributions for each organization or individual to go toward the candidates for statewide public offices and $5,000 for state legislators' campaigns.See on www.kutv.com
