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How Alaska Ended Up with Unrestricted Campaign Donations—and the Efforts to Reinstate Limits

Efforts to Reimpose Campaign Donation Limits in Alaska Gain Momentum

Anchorage, AK — Amid growing concern over the influence of wealthy donors in Alaska politics, former Attorney General Bruce Botelho is spearheading a campaign to reinstate limits on campaign contributions. In 2006, voters approved a $500 limit per candidate, but a court ruling in 2021 overturned these restrictions, leaving Alaska with no individual donation caps. This shift has prompted fears of widening gaps between affluent benefactors and average citizens.

The elimination of contribution limits stems from a legal challenge initiated in 2015 by Republican donors who argued that the cap favored wealthy incumbents. Subsequent court decisions, culminating in a 2019 U.S. Supreme Court directive, ultimately led to the removal of Alaska’s donation limits, positioning the state among a minority with such lax regulations.

Botelho, now co-sponsoring the "Citizens Against Money in Politics" ballot initiative, is advocating for new, higher limits—$2,000 per candidate per election cycle—with adjustments for inflation. He argues that these measures would create a more equitable electoral landscape. "It’s about ensuring that individuals of modest means have a voice comparable to those who can make large contributions," Botelho stated.

Meanwhile, extensive donations from individuals have been reported, with candidates receiving amounts upwards of $10,000 from single contributors. Supporters of reinstating limits, like independent candidate Nick Moe and Democrat Denny Wells, express frustration over the influence of significant out-of-state contributions, emphasizing the need for a fairer political system.

Despite opposition from some, including Republican challenger Jared Goecker, who believes that contribution limits won’t substantially impact the presence of outside money in politics, Botelho and campaign supporters remain determined. They aim to gather enough petition signatures by mid-September to place the initiative on the 2026 primary ballot, hoping to restore balance to Alaska’s political landscape.

Source
Photo credit alaskapublic.org

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