Illinois should place limits on political contributions, and the campaign-financing reform proposed by state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington is a good plan to follow.

Because Brady is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, some skeptics say politics is behind Brady's proposal.

Even if that's true, it is still a great plan. Without election campaigns and scandals, very little ethics reform would see the light. When the opportunity arises, don't waste it.

Brady's plan follows the same limits as the federal government: a $2,000 limit on individual contributions to candidates each election cycle, $5,000 limit on political action committees and a ban on political contributions from corporations and labor unions.

Federal candidates have been able to live by these rules. State candidates can, too.

At least two other Republican candidates support limits on campaign contributions: Ron Gidwitz and Judy Baar Topinka. They have not yet outlined specific plans.

Using the federal rules as a measuring stick makes sense, would provide consistency and improve understanding.

Candidates wouldn't have to wonder which rules to follow - as when U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood of Peoria considered a run for governor. Although not required to do so, LaHood followed federal contribution limits during his exploration of the governor's race.

Illinois has fairly strict reporting requirements for political contributions. Opponents of contribution limits argue that people can study lists of contributors to decide whether someone has undue influence.

Such transparency is good, but it need not be exclusive. Illinois can have full disclosure laws and contribution limits, too.

By limiting campaign donations, the law also would limit the influence of big-money interests. The restrictions would make less likely that big contributions could be traded for jobs or state contracts.

The ceilings also would force candidates to make a broad-based appeal to more individuals, rather than lavishing attention on a few people with big bucks.

This isn't just a good government issue. Illinois' ability to attract business is harmed if corporations think they have to pay to play.

Illinois has a dismal record on political corruption. The immediate past governor is on trial and other former governors have served time in prison.

With that history, Illinoisans should be demanding reforms. Instead, the state seems to cultivate its "not-ready-for-reform" image.

Passage of the Brady plan, or something similar, could help change that tawdry image.