Constitutional Amendment 2: campaign contribution limits

Anthony Brown
Rep. Allen Andrews

Last week, I mentioned in my Capitol Report I always do my very best to present information with a fair and balanced approach. However, once again, I have reservations regarding some of our ballot initiatives on the upcoming November ballot. So far, I have covered all of the amendments in my previous Capitol Reports except Constitutional Amendment 2. If approved by voters, Constitutional Amendment 2 will re-establish campaign contribution limits in Missouri. The state previously had limits in place that were approved by voters in 1994. The limits were repealed by the General Assembly in 2008.

Constitutional Amendment 2 would limit contributions to individual candidates to $2,600 per election. It would limit contributions to political parties to $25,000 each election. The amendment is also designed to prevent individuals and entities from intentionally concealing the source of the contributions. Additionally, the amendment would create a complaint process and penalties for violating its requirements.

Supporters of the amendment say it is important to restore limits so that large donors do not have too much influence in the political realm. Opponents say the current system ensures transparency in the system and a return to limits will only cause large donors to hide their contributions by funneling them through various political committees.

Being a conservative who believes strongly in the constitution and the rights given by it to the people I am concerned by limiting campaign donations, the government will, effectually, be limiting the amount of speech citizens can engage in. I believe speech should not be limited. Furthermore, Amendment 2 is driven by a St. Louis millionaire who gave over $1 million to a political action committee, which he is treasurer, to hire a Georgia-based political consulting firm to gather signatures on an Initiative Petition in order to put Amendment 2 on the ballot. It is hard to imagine the hypocrisy of how one could spend over $1 million dollars on political activity to limit the amount you and I can give to candidates. I understand there are probably very good intentions behind this amendment and the arguments I hear are very well taken. However, I encourage you to research each ballot initiative prior to your vote and let your voice be heard on November 8.