Juneau -- Representative John Coghill (R-Fairbanks) has introduced legislation to repeal the Alaska Public Offices Commission. He said the aim of HB 179 is three major things: (1) require each candidate to sign an affidavit of residency, (2) establish full disclosure with as few restrictions as possible, and (3) insure speedy court action.

"The purpose of campaign disclosure is to make available to Alaskan voters all information concerning all contributions and all expenses of political candidates," said Coghill. But he said existing campaign disclosure laws have become too ambiguous, burdensome, and counterproductive to both the candidates and to their supporters.

Coghill said the HB 179 puts into place a simplified reporting system that is less intrusive and gives optimal freedom with fair accountability. Candidates will be required to make full disclosure reports semi-monthly and those reports will be made available immediately on the Division of Election's Internet Page.

Coghill said he wants to insure that the voters have qualified candidates and this bill requires quick judicial action during an election cycle. He said the current system of an appointed commission addressing complaints behind closed doors and taking six months or more to make a determination is unsatisfactory and unfair to the voting public. "HB 179 requires campaign disclosure violations to be handled by the judicial system in a fair and expeditious manner."