Campaign Finance Reform
Campaign Finance Reform: Soft Money A very controversial issue facing American politics today is campaign finance reform; more specifically, whether or not to ban soft money. ... It was a loophole left in the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 (Mauro, 1999). The heart of the debate of campaign finance reform revolves around protecting our democracy versus the constitutional battle of free speech (Murphy, 1999). ... However, it is crystal-clear that campaign finance reform is positively and doubtlessly necessary. ... Political activist and actor Alec Baldwin, an advocate for campaign finance reform, once voiced, “Soft money is perverting the sytem and change is essential for the health of the society. ... Most that asses each side of the argument come to the same conclusion: reform of the financing of federal elections is necessary. ... Affluent interests have attempted to receive advantageous taxing, spending, and regulatory judgments by bypassing the campaign finance system entirely and quietly giving bribes and expensive presents to chosen officials in return for favorable treatment. ... Can campaign finance reform make elections that are honestly impartial? ... Can campaign finance reform aid in restoring people’s trust in government’s candor? ... Can campaign finance reform spark more voters to partake in campaigns and elections? ... Can campaign finance reform decrease the hardship of fundraising and allow elected officials to devote more time and attention to making honest public policy? ... Is it constitutionally guaranteed that one has the right to donate infinite quantities of money to a political campaign?