Senators defeat public financing for Missouri campaigns

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri senators defeat an attempt to allow public financing of political campaigns.

Democratic Senator Jeff Smith, of St. Louis, proposed a $3 surcharge on income taxpayers to finance campaigns for statewide offices and the Legislature. He says it would limit the influence of interest groups at the Capitol.

The Senate defeated his proposal by a voice vote Wednesday.

Smith offered his amendment as an alternative to a bill by Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields. The St. Joseph Republican wants to repeal Missouri's campaign contribution limits.

Lawmakers voted to repeal the limits in 2006. But the Missouri Supreme Court reinstated the limits last summer.