Imagine an Illinois government that responds to its residents' needs. One that works for its constituents, not special interests. A government that isn't tarnished by scandal and corruption. The Illinois we envision is possible if we reform the system that has long served as a breeding ground for unethical politicians like disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. While there are many steps that we must take to fix Illinois government, campaign finance reform lies at the foundation. Illinois needs a set of strict, across-the-board campaign contribution limits to reduce the opportunity for politicians to abuse their offices and to restore the public's faith in state government. The state's current system, which allows special interests to give an unlimited amount of money to candidates, has failed Illinois time and time again. Politicians like Blagojevich and George Ryan repeatedly have abused this system by looking after the needs of their campaign donors instead of their constituents, exploiting their offices for personal gain. While a public financing program remains, for many of us, our ultimate goal, campaign contribution limits can be implemented immediately and start us on the long road to rehabilitating Illinois government. The federal charges against Blagojevich show us that we cannot afford to wait any longer. The cost is simply too high.