MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that a Senate panel approved a campaign finance reform package championed by Governor Jesse Ventura. Some reform activists say the measure doesn't go far enough, while opponents say the bill is unconstitutional.

Governor Ventura's reform package is intended to limit the influence of unregulated "soft money" contributions and so-called "independent expenditures" by third-parties. It makes public subsidies to political parties contingent on a voluntary agreement to forego independent expenditures, tightens disclosure requirements for outside interest groups, and releases candidates from spending limits if they're targeted by such groups. State Planning Director Dean Barkley has lead Ventura's effort reform the system.