Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell's warning Wednesday to state and local political parties about their "soft money" operating accounts ought to re-open the debate over a long-overdue campaign finance reform. Citing the U.S. Supreme Court's decision earlier in the day to uphold the McCain-Feingold soft money ban and disclosure rules, Blackwell said the parties should liquidate the accounts, which under Ohio law have been exempt from public disclosure, and begin immediate disclosure of all new funds.

Behind his ominous language lies a call for the General Assembly to reconsider a bill, S.B. 10, that would open these accounts, along with activities of political advocacy groups, to public scrutiny.

The operating funds are what parties ostensibly use to pay rent, utilities, salaries and similar items. But they also can mask campaign fund-shifting mischief . The accounts became a hot issue last year when it was revealed that a Cleveland broker indicted for fraud had given the Hamilton County GOP $50,000 after his firm won a contract from State Treasurer Joe Deters, who then received campaign funding from the county party.

State GOP chairman Robert Bennett says the McCain-Feingold provisions apply only to federal campaigns, so state and local parties don't have to disclose. Blackwell thinks that argument doesn't wash. "In order to ensure you are not using soft dollars on federal activities, you have to disclose your dollars," said Blackwell spokesman Carlo LoParo. "Otherwise, how do you know?"

But even if Bennett and other party leaders are correct about the legalities, they're wrong on the principle: Parties should reveal what they receive and spend. And they shouldn't have secret funds that allow donors to influence policy without the public ever knowing about it.

Blackwell is advocating a reform that serves the public's interest and fosters good government. State lawmakers should move the reform forward.