Some would enthusiastically say Yes! while others would dismiss it with a definite negative response. Those who believe drastic change is necessary are pushing many different articles of legislature through Congress in an attempt to revise the current laws in time for the already launched 2000 presidential campaign. The partisan breakdown of opinions on what can be done to reform the current methods are as follows: Many Democrats favor:h Banning or limiting political action committee(PAC) donations. h Banning soft money donations. h Spending limits on campaigns in exchange for free or reduced-price advertising. h More public financing of campaignsMany Republicans favor:h Prohibiting labor unions from spending compulsory union dues on political activities. h Raising limits on individual donations. h Restricting donations from PACs. Source: CNN.com Obviously there are some differences in opinion. However whats to be done about that one major sticking point, soft money? Is it time to get rid of its presence in American political finding? The answer is a resounding yes. One proposal that attempted to deal with its elimination was the McCain-Feingold Bill, introduced by Wisconsin Senator Russel Feingold (Democrat) and current GOP presidential hopeful Senator John McCain of Arizona. The Latest Version of the bill has several main provisions: h Soft Money A ban on soft money contributions to the national parties from individuals, corporations, and labor unions. h PACs (political action committees). PAC contribution caps would be lowered from $5,000 per candidate per election to $2,500. h Independent expenditures Spending by groups determined to be in direct support ("express advocacy") of a federal candidate would come under federal regulation and would require full disclosure. h Lowered campaign spending Candidates that raise 60 percent of their funds from in-stat...
