Lawmakers discuss campaign donations amid an initiative to limit contributions

A questioner read recent APOC reports listing large contributions to statewide campaigns and asked whether unlimited donations are healthy for Alaska politics. Senators said candidates are complying with current law while acknowledging public concern.

Senator Wolokowski said a citizens’ initiative will give voters the chance to restore contribution limits; the Supreme Court previously struck down limits, he said, and the initiative will let the public decide. He said he will vote for limits. Other senators noted there is also a senate bill that could remove the initiative from the ballot; that bill would be debated in the legislature.

Some senators cautioned that removing limits can shift spending to outside groups and reduce transparency. Senator Kawasaki and others said younger candidates face steep disadvantages when large donations are available to incumbents or statewide candidates.

The senators did not announce any immediate legislative action to change contribution limits but said both the initiative and possible senate legislation are active topics for the session.