Bruce Westerman on Government Reform

Limit campaign contributions but not campaign spending

A: Yes.

Q: Political Action Committee?

A: Yes.

Q: Corporate?

A: Yes.

Q: Political Party?

A: Yes.

Q: Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?

A: No.

Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?

A: Yes.

Require proof of identity when voting

"Proof of identity" means a document or identification card that:
• Shows the name of the person to whom the document was issued;
• Shows a photograph of the person to whom the document was issued;
• Contains an expiration date and:
• Is not expired; or
• Expired no more than four (4) years before the date of the election in which the person wishes to vote; and
• Is issued by the United States or the State of Arkansas

Co-sponsored bill to require photo ID for voting

Summary by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: ACLU of Arkansas says the law impairs voters and puts some without birth certificates or photo identifications in a "catch 22" situation in which they need one of those documents to obtain the other. "The only purpose [the law] is serving is to place an artificial barrier between these voters and the ballot box."

Veto Message: [In his veto letter, Beebe said he] "believes that the bill will unnecessarily cost taxpayers money, grow bureaucracy and risk disenfranchisement of voters. I cannot approve such an unnecessary measure that would negatively impact one of our most precious rights as citizens."

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-44-5 on Mar/13/13; State Rep. Bruce Westerman co-sponsored and voted YES; Passed Senate 22-12-1 on Mar/19/13; Vetoed by Governor Mike Beebe on Mar/25/13 (Veto overridden)