News-Leader editorial asks for return of campaign contribution limits

Add the Springfield News-Leader Editorial Board to the chorus of those who are demanding a restoration of campaign contribution limits in Missouri:

Without them, the state's leaders will continue to face a citizenry convinced that elections are bought and not won, that clout goes to those well-heeled enough to donate hefty amounts of campaign cash and that legislation is for sale in Jefferson City.

We've addressed the argument against the caps in this space before.

Opponents of the contribution limits say they serve only to send contributors looking for back-door ways to give money: through political action committees. The argument presumes, however, that the back door has to stay open. It does not. Legislators have the power to close it, too.

Limiting contributions and restricting contributions by the committees would dam this roaring river of cash.