Topeka ? Legislative candidates could accept larger contributions under a Republican-backed campaign finance bill the Senate sent to the governor Wednesday.

Some Democrats complained because negotiators from the two chambers tied higher contribution limits to proposals designed to give voters more information about the activities of candidates and groups seeking to influence elections.

But senators approved the compromise, 28-11, the day after the House voted 75-45 for it. In both chambers, Republicans relied on their big majorities to push the bill through.

Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said she hasn’t decided what she will do.

“I haven’t had a chance to really look at the bill,” she told reporters. “Some of it, I don’t know enough about, but it’s one that I’m going to take a very careful look at.”

Talks over the bill’s many provisions began last year, and Sen. Tim Huelskamp, his chamber’s lead negotiator, acknowledged they proved difficult. But he said the final version contained too many good ingredients to reject the entire product.

“I think it’s a major step forward for election sunshine,” said Huelskamp, R-Fowler.

Democrats most strongly objected to the higher contribution limits, which would go from $1,000 to $1,500 per election for Senate candidates and from $500 to $750 for House candidates. The limit for statewide candidates would remain at $2,000.

“We ought to be ashamed of ourselves,” said Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka.

Other senators said raising the limits would help challengers by making it easier for them to raise money.