Big donors dominate Chicago mayoral elections, report finds
Chicago's mayoral candidates ran to represent all of the city's 2.7 million people. It would be good if their donors represented at least a cross-section of the people, too. But they didn't.
Chicago’s mayoral candidates ran to represent all of the city’s 2.7 million people. It would be good if their donors represented at least a cross-section of the people, too. But they didn’t.
Illinois PIRG Education Fund’s Feb. 21 report, “Small Donors a Small Factor in Chicago Mayoral Race,” found that the 14 candidates running for mayoral office overwhelmingly raised campaign funds from big money donors, with 97 percent coming from donors giving $1,000 or more.
“Through a small donor matching program, we can ensure voters have real choices on the ballot,” said Illinois PIRG Education Fund Advocate Hannah Kim.
By matching small donations with public funds, the program would amplify the power of small donors—and limit the influence of big money over our elections.
Photo Caption: Chicago’s City Hall from Daley Plaza and Clark Street, flying the American flag, the Illinois flag and the Cook County flag.
Photo Credit: Lucas Livingston via Flickr (CC by 2.0)
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