Campaign finance amendments fail

A variety of amendments that would have loosened a campaign finance proposal before a special governor's commission were much discussed Thursday, but ultimately rejected by the panel.

The Governor's Commission on Strengthening Utah's Democracy approved a plan to impose a strict set of limits on individual and corporate campaign-giving two weeks ago on a 10-7 vote. Hoping to create something closer to consensus on the panel, several commissioners proposed amendments to that plan that loosened restrictions in several areas. While the board explored each of the ideas extensively and found some agreement, the package was soundly defeated when it came to a final vote.

Commission member and ad agency owner Tom Love said afterward the discussion on campaign finance was likely over because the commission "still has a lot of work to do on other issues."

The commission, created by former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., is working on a number of issues related to campaign and election processes to raise the level of voter confidence and involvement in the state.

— Arthur Raymond