Republicans Seek To Close Loopholes

HARTFORD (AP) — Republicans in the state Senate proposed a plan Tuesday to close what they consider loopholes in the state’s new campaign finance reform legislation, more than a month after the bill became law.

Four senators, including two lawmakers who voted for the original bill, said they believe the law allows political action committees for leaders of the General Assembly to funnel unlimited amounts of money from special interest groups to candidates. The bill permits the practice even if leading lawmakers participate in a new public financing program designed to remove special interest money from campaigns.

“If the leadership of the General Assembly wants to say that they’ve dealt with the issue and it’s time to move on, we will continue to say, ‘no we haven’t,’” said Senator John McKinney, R-Southport, referring to Democrats, who control the legislature.