Associated Press - December 9, 2009 8:54 PM ET

CHICAGO (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn used today's first anniversary of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's arrest to sign into law Illinois' first limits on campaign contributions.

Some have criticized the measure as not strong enough, but others, including Quinn, have called it a step in the right direction.

The reforms were inspired by the scandal surrounding Blagojevich, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama's old U.S. Senate seat for campaign money or a job for himself or his wife. Lawmakers removed him from office in January.

The new law is aimed at preventing people and interest groups from trying to buy influence in state government. Besides setting donation limits, it also sets up campaign finance disclosure requirements and requires random audits by the State Board of Elections.

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