Pittsburgh City Council tentatively and narrowly approved campaign finance reform legislation today.

The legislation, authored by Councilman William Peduto, places a $2,000-per-election limit on contributions by individuals and a $5,000 cap on donations from political action committees. Currently, city candidates can take unlimited donations, and five-figure gifts from influential businesses and individuals are common for mayoral contenders.

Voting yes were Council President Doug Shields, Mr. Peduto, and members Bruce Kraus, Patrick Dowd and Ricky Burgess. Voting no was Jim Motznik, who said he's "all for campaign finance reform, as long as it's a level playing field for the whole state of Pennsylvania."

Dan Deasy and Darlene Harris abstained, and Tonya Payne was out of the room.

Under the legislation, if a candidate puts $250,000 of their own money into their campaign, then their rivals can then accept double the normal limits from their donors.

Still, some council members worried that the ordinance "permits the wealthiest among us to buy an election," as Councilwoman Darlene Harris put it.

If approved in a final vote Tuesday, it would go to Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who has favored online disclosure of donations but hasn't enthusiastically endorsed caps on campaign gifts.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.