Miller seeks transparent contribution information

CARSON CITY -- Democrat Secretary of State Ross Miller announced his plans Wednesday for new laws that would make campaign contribution information more accessible to citizens and protect the state against voter registration fraud.

Miller wants the Legislature next year to require all candidates to file contribution reports electronically, create a searchable database to easily find out who makes contributions and increase the number of times candidates must file contribution reports. He also would require candidates to report contributions of $1,000 or more within four days of elections.

In response to allegations of voter fraud by ACORN employees in the 2008 election, Miller proposes requiring training and registration of voter registration organizations. He also wants to prohibit voter registration organizers from hiring felons.

Miller said Nevada should not accept its poor showing in national rankings for its campaign finance and disclosure laws.

"I have made this issue a priority, and have introduced some of these measures before," Miller said. "While some measures have been taken, they don't go far enough in giving the voter real-time information about the money being raised and spent by candidates, or by in-state or out-of-state groups supporting or opposing candidates. We want to give voters access to as much information as possible before they go to the polls."

But Rob Lauer, Miller's Republican opponent in the November election, questioned why the secretary of state released his bill proposals now, so close to the election.

"Where has he been the last four years?" said Lauer, who trails Miller badly in the polls. "It is great to say you are for something now, but why hasn't he done this before?"

Lauer said Miller's proposals mean nothing unless the state passes a law to require voters to show a picture ID before they can vote.

Throughout the campaign, the Republican candidate has been touting his plan for a picture ID requirement.

In a recent interview, Miller said he does not oppose requiring a photo ID before for voting, but does not support the creation of a separate voter identification card.

Contact reporter Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.