Good government groups applauded the demise of a bill that they say would have weakened Hawaii's campaign spending laws by allowing some government contractors to donate to political campaigns.

After meeting privately in caucus, Democratic House leaders decided to recommit House Bill 2249 to committee, likely killing it this session.

“;We were really concerned about it because we felt it would open up opportunities for more money in politics,”; said Nikki Love, executive director of Common Cause Hawaii. “;We're relieved it was recommitted.”;

The bill would have allowed most government contractors to make contributions to political parties and political campaigns, reversing legislation enacted in 2005 that placed stricter limits on such contributions, Love said.

Common Cause, Americans for Democratic Action-Hawaii and Campaign Spending Commission Executive Director Barbara Wong all submitted testimony opposing the bill when it appeared before the House Judiciary Committee. There was no testimony in support.

House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro said the decision to recommit the bill was made in caucus, after it appeared members were divided on the issue.

“;We talked about it in caucus and there seemed to be a pretty good division,”; said Oshiro (D, Aiea-Halawa). “;Without knowing exactly where the Minority Caucus was, we decided to recommit the bill.”;

The six-member Republican caucus claimed victory, saying the bill would have brought back the “;pay to play”; days of the past when companies could try to influence politicians with big donations.

“;Pay to play was an unseemly and immoral process that soiled the image of this House and politics in general,”; said Rep. Cynthia Thielen (R, Kaneohe-Kailua). “;We must stop attempts to bring the bad old days back, like we did today.”;