1. Campaign Finance: Pros and Cons
Why might people argue against the BCRA?
How might limiting expenditures and contributions be positive? Negative?

2. Loopholes/Issues of BCRA Purpose: outlaw use of soft money (fed
Loopholes/Issues of BCRA Purpose: outlaw use of soft money (fed. elections)
527 committee—unregulated interest groups focusing on a specific cause
Continuous re-writing of FEC regulations
Unlimited state-to-state transfers of money
Honor system vs. realistic expectations
Constitutional violations
Internet
501c committee—tax-exempt, non-profit/business group

3. Why is there campaign reform, anyway?
Most contributors give to support parties or candidates with whom they are already in agreement.
However, public perception= donors expect illegal gov’t favors in return (such as specific legislation being enacted or defeated)— “buying” influence
Some believe campaign finance is political corruption/bribery.
Many want the government, rather than private individuals/organizations, to provide funding for campaigns
democratic countries have differing regulations on types of donations to parties and campaigns

4. Proposed reforms: Eliminate soft money completely
FAVOR
Define what would this reform mean?
Tries to avoid limits on hard money
Decreases overall cost of campaigning
Less concern about “buying” influence
More disclosure of fund usage
OPPOSE
Define what NOT having this reform would mean?
First amendment!
Contrary to Buckley ruling!
Weakens political parties
Money is only one step removed from contributor to decision-maker

5. Proposed reforms: Limit independent expenditures
FAVOR
Could be used to avoid limits on hard money
“Levels the playing field”
Could reduce negative issue ads
Candidates want to control their own campaigns
OPPOSE
First amendment!
Contrary to Buckley!
Might lessen grassroots participation in campaigns/support

6. Proposed reforms: Raise limits on contributions
FAVOR
Limits don’t account for inflation
Candidates can spend less time fundraising
Decreases PAC influence
Decreases restrictions on First Amend. rights
OPPOSE
Allows the rich to have more influence
Already too much money in the process already!
Drives up cost of campaigns

7. Let’s see what happens when donations are made…