Even The Lobby Wants Contribution Limits

Although Texas Governor Rick Perry and House Speaker Tom Craddick aren’t in favor of limits on campaign contributions, one group of key players in the contribution cap debate evidently is: lobbyists.

The San Antonio Express-News’ Clay Robinson notes that more and more lobbyists are deciding it would be a good idea:

“The whole money thing … has gotten totally out of hand. I support any restrictions of any kind, and most of the lobby would too,” said one lobbyist, who didn’t want to be named.

Guess who else may want contribution caps: Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, but for all the wrong reasons:

Some reformers suggest that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, a multimillionaire who can largely fund his own campaigns if necessary, may be receptive to contribution limits because they could partially disarm opponents in a future governor’s race. But Dewhurst may not want to fight this uphill battle.

I guess if you are filthy rich, campaign contribution caps really mean nothing to you. But, Dewhurst probably hasn’t considered that any state provision on contribution caps would have to include provisions allowing candidates who face people who pour their own money into races to be able to raise more money, similar to federal provisions now in place.

One thing I don’t believe we’ll see in Texas is public funding for political campaigns. In a tax-phobic state like Texas, I don’t see any manner that would allow for such funding without major tax hikes or cuts in things like social services. And, cutting social services to pay for political campaigns isn’t exactly a politically savvy idea.

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