Americans frequently have expressed dissatisfaction with the way in which money seems to dominate politics. Yet, campaign finance reform still seems to be an elusive goal. This research examines some of the current trends of money in politics and offers a set of potential reforms designed to remain within the constraints of constitutional rulings.
Once again, campaign finance reform at the federal and state levels of government is high on the political agenda. The voters in six states approved some form of campaign finance law in the last election, and representatives of both Congress and the Executive Branch are talking about reforming the system of money in politics at the federal level. Although all this talk sounds hopeful, it arises from what is widely perceived as a failure of federal campaign finance laws. There does not seem to be any limit to the amount of funds flowing into federal campaign coffers--and from federal campaign accounts into state campaign accounts. State voters have responded by approving campaign finance reform ballot measures, and the federal government is feeling some of the heat of an adverse public opinion.
The new dynamic at work on this issue does not arise in Washington, but from the anger and outrage of Americans who are tired of system that shuts them out and lets the rich and powerful in and who want leaders who are going to do something about it. The people want change in the campaign finance system.
A survey conducted jointly earlier this year by a Democratic and a Republican pollster found that in response to the statement, "Those who make large campaign contributions get special favors from politicians...", 68 percent of the people were seriously troubled; 34 percent said it was one of the things that worries them the most, and another 34 percent said it worries them a great deal. The fact is Americans recognize exactly what is going on in Washington these days--large contributions b...