Like everyone who is the subject of a criminal investigation, Gov. McAuliffe carries the presumption of innocence. That said, we saw in the case of former Gov. Bob McDonnell how Virginia’s anything-goes gift and campaign finance laws practically invite corruption. As they prepare to choose a new governor in 2017, Virginians should insist that candidates make campaign finance reform, including limits on contributions from individuals and political committees, a ban on direct donations by corporations and unions, and adoption of a small-dollar donor based public financing system, their top priority.

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