In the wake of a scandal that brought down two Tennessee lawmakers and ensnared two more, the Tennessee Legislature passed ethics reform legislation and sent it to Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) to sign. Bredesen called the reforms, “a big stone in the foundation of restoring the public's confidence,” according to the New York Times. The reforms include the creation of an independent ethics commission, limits to “wining and dining of lawmakers, forbids lobbyists from giving directly to candidates' campaigns, limits cash contributions to $50, and requires more detailed and more frequent financial disclosures from candidates and elected officials.” Some were disappointed that the reforms left out more sweeping measures such as the public financing of elections.