"We applaud those who refused to let the measure die and we hope that the success with this reform will spark others. It was clear after Monday’s senate action that the watchdog groups aren’t finished fixing what’s broken. “Unethical officeholders and contractors still will look for ways to game the system,” Ms. Canary said, “but better rules will be in place to police contracting and to make it more difficult for favors to be awarded in exchange for campaign funds.”

Added Senate Majority Leader Halvorson, “Today, we sent a message loud and clear to the fat cat contributors and to the old boys club in Springfield that it is time for the culture of pay-to-play politics in Illinois to end.”"