Senate seeks to close election fund loophole

BOISE (AP) — Senators backed a House-passed measure to close a loophole in Idaho's campaign reporting laws that now allows fundraising during recall elections to go under the radar.

The Senate State Affairs Committee on Friday passed the bill unanimously, sending it to the floor for a vote.

It's already won nearly unanimous House support.

The issue emerged in 2011, when some Republicans including Rep. Julie Ellsworth faced what ultimately became unsuccessful recall attempts over their support for public schools chief Tom Luna's education reforms.

To her dismay, Ellsworth learned money raised during recall elections wasn't required to be reported.

Sen. Melinda Smyser, the Senate sponsor, told the panel that it was all off the books.

Under their measure, contribution limits for recall elections will be the same as those governing general elections.