Illinois Elections

Who pays. Who wins.

And how we all bear the cost.

When it comes to campaign finance, Illinois has a well-deserved reputation as a no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners, free-for-all ethical swamp. But campaign finance is not just about elections. It has real consequences for policies that state government adopts and the ethical and moral climate in which it conducts its business.

Money Counts shows you who gives to politicians and judges, how much they give, and why. It also examines the consequences ranging from "dumb laws" and special legislation to corruption such as the MSI and the bribes-for-licenses scandals.

But can reform happen in Illinois' political culture? Campaign finance expert Kent Redfield says "yes," detailing 14 common-sense ideas to level the state's political playing field.