Taxpayer participation down in state campaign grant program

MADISON (AP) -- Only one out of 20 taxpayers this year contributed to a campaign grant program that aims to level the field for people who run for state offices, according to the Wisconsin Elections Board.

It said about 211,000 of eligible state tax returns, or 5 percent, selected the $1 checkoff for the Wisconsin Election Campaign Fund, compared with nearly 19 percent when it began in 1977.

"Right now, given the lack of participation, the low thresholds, what used to be a very vibrant program isn't anymore," said Kevin Kennedy, executive director of the Elections Board, which administers the program.

It provides campaign grants for candidates who meet certain criteria and agree to spending limits.

There were 147 candidates in the program in 1984, but only 38 received checks from the fund last year, officials said.

Kennedy said the board has not been given direction from the Legislature to promote the program.

The spending limits have not been adjusted since the 1980s and the checkoff amount has not increased, he said.

"The cost of campaigns have come up (and) the participation level has dropped," Kennedy said.

The maximum grant for a state Senate candidate, for example, is $15,525, while Assembly hopefuls can receive up to $7,763.

In order to qualify, Senate candidates must agree to spend no more than $34,500 on their campaigns and Assembly candidates no more than $17,250.

Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign watchdog group, said more people are using tax preparers who tend not to select the checkoff.

"There's also a fairly broad understanding that the system is broken," he said. "The system that this checkoff funds is no longer a viable system, it's largely unused and useless. If you do check off a dollar it's not going to meaningfully clean up or control out-of-control campaigns. We've got a busted system."

McCabe said candidates in competitive races don't apply for the funds because the spending limits are outdated.

"You would agree to a spending limit that is woefully outdated, and outside groups could come in and spend millions against you and your hands would be tied," he said.