Five Ways To Fix The Campaign Finance System

1. THE (DYING) McCAIN-FEINGOLD BILL
   It would ban soft money, limit contributions from PACs and set voluntary spending limits for congressional candidates. Will it pass? Don't bet on it.
2. AMEND THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
   Spending caps could slow the money chase. But the Supreme Court says limits violate free-speech guarantees. Carve out an exception to the First Amendment?
3. MORE TAXPAYER-SUPPORTED RACES
   Presidential candidates who agree to spending caps get public financing for their campaigns. One Senate bill would extend that system to congressional races.
4. GIVE CANDIDATES CHEAPER AIRTIME
   
5. To cut campaign costs and the attendant fund-raising frenzy, have the FEC distribute vouchers for TV and radio time that stations would be required to donate.
6. LET MORE SUNSHINE IN
   Lift all limits on money, but require candidates and parties to disclose data on contributors more fully, frequently and widely. One idea: post it all on the Internet.

Back

page 2