A proposal to change how Cincinnati City Council candidates finance their campaigns failed by a razor-thin margin and is likely headed for an automatic recount.

        Issue 6, a measure that would use public funds to subsidize City Council and mayoral campaigns, lost 50.01 percent to 49.99 percent. The gap was 23 votes, 40,884 to 40,861.

        To curb spending on city races, Issue 6 proposed rewarding candidates who voluntarily limit their campaign contributions. Candidates who agree to limit campaign spending to three times their elected salary would get $2 in public funds for every $1 they raise from individuals.

        “We've got to figure out a way to reduce the influence of big money in campaigns,” said Pete Strauss, a former six-term council member who supported Issue 6. “We fought a long time for increased disclosure (of campaign donations) and more timely disclosure. (If
Issue 6 fails), the end result is that the same old spending rules will apply.”

        If the measure passes, City Council candidates, who would get paid $55,701 if elected, could receive up to $111,402 out of the city's general fund. A mayoral candidate, who would be paid $59,201 if elected, could receive up to $118,402.

        Council candidates who participate would agree to spend no more than $167,103 on their campaigns. This year's top spender — Councilman Pat DeWine — raised more than $309,500.

        Contributions from political action committees or political parties would not be matched.

        Issue 6 also would require candidates to file more contribution disclosures, limit the amount of donations they can receive, penalize those who go over the limit, and create an oversight board.

        Before the election, Chris Finney, a lawyer and a mem ber of the Issue 6 opposition group, No Taxes for City Council Campaigns Committee, called the proposal “goofy.”

        He said Issue 6 would punish people for getting involved in the election process.

        Cincinnati City Council passed a similar measure in 1997, but rescinded it a year later.

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