Public Campaign Financing in Wisconsin: Showing Its Age

Publication Date: August 2008

Publisher: Center for Governmental Studies

Author(s): Steven M. Levin

Research Area: Campaign Finance

Keywords: Campaign finance reform

Type: Report

Coverage: Wisconsin

Abstract:

This report finds that while Wisconsin in 1977 adopted one of the first and best public campaign financing laws in the nation, the legislature's 1986 decision to limit funding to participating candidates made it difficult for them to compete. The report recommends that Wisconsin adopt a full public financing ("clean money") program, or implement a number of modest reforms to its existing system, including funding and spending limits for participating candidates.