The new rules - approved unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday - say candidates can't pocket contributions, must report contributions of more than $500 within 24 hours of the donation when it is made within a week of the elections, and it requires candidates to report a dollar value to billboards and taxi-cab advertising - even if the candidate didn't have to pay for the space.

The later item led to the sparring between Anderson and Councilman David Buhler. Buhler contends Anderson used a "loophole" in the city's campaign finance rules when he obtained advertising on taxi cabs during the 2003 election season. Anderson contends the advertising was equivalent to a bumper sticker, although the ads were larger than a traditional bumper sticker.

Earlier this year, the council passed another campaign-finance ordinance, which Anderson vetoed. He has yet to review the new ordinance and decide on a veto.

- Jacob Santini