Illinois Lawmakers Prepare to Vote on Ethics Deal

A key government watchdog groups says it has agreed to a compromise on limiting the size of campaign donations in Illinois.

The announcement Thursday sets the stage for lawmakers to vote on the first campaign-donation caps in Illinois history.

The plan described by the group CHANGE Illinois would limit how much money individuals, businesses and political committees can give to candidates. The limit for individuals would be $5,000.

It would also cap donations from political parties and legislative leaders during a primary election but not during the general election.

Republican lawmakers oppose that exception. They wanted strict limits on donations by powerful parties and legislative leaders.