New Contribution Limits for Local Elections?

We know that the campaign season is just getting started, but there’s a story in the Seattle Times that got us thinking. State lawmakers have approved new contribution limits for local elections. The governor is expected to sign it. Contributions would now be capped at $800. Seattle has had limits set at $700. While in Tacoma … from the story:

The 2009 mayoral races in Tacoma and Vancouver also saw a lot of money pushed around. Contributions of $1,500 to $5,000 from police unions and the building industry were not uncommon.

We’ll pull the numbers over the next few days (unless you want to do it now for us). We’re curious how this may change the landscape in our next round of City elections. Do you think this will change anything? What do you think?

Link to the Seattle Times