By Steven Allen Adams, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
CHARLESTON — A group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers in the West Virginia House of Delegates rejected a bill that would have allowed corporations to donate to political candidates in primary and general elections.
The House rejected House Bill 2719, dealing with campaign finance and reporting, in a 41-54 vote Thursday. The bill was opposed by 46 Republicans and eight Democrats.
HB 2719 would allow corporations and membership organizations to contribute to candidates, candidate committees, and political action committees under certain limitations and disclosure requirements. The bill would require candidates to list the name of any corporation, type of business, and address if the donations exceed $250 during a primary or general election.
State Code currently prohibits corporate campaign contributions. Corporations and membership organizations would be subject to the same campaign contribution limits of $2,800 during the primary and $2,800 during the general election. Contributions to political actions committees would be limited to $5,000 in both the primary and general election.
“As a small business owner, I think a candidate should be able to have a business support them in their elections,” said Del. Michael Hornby, R-Berkeley, the lead sponsor of the bill.
