Money In Politics

Money in Politics

In the world of politics today there are many problems. Nasty campaigning and

Slamming ones opponent have become commonplace in today's world. This is a very

Distinct problem. Yet the root of the problem isn't the candidates themselves, in most

Cases. The national committees for the republicans and the democrats is at the true heart

Of the problem. The money which is spent by those massive institutions to their

party's candidate in each election is staggering. Therefore the problem lies not in the

candidates themselves, but in the money which is used to finance their campaigns.

Campaign finance reform is a hot topic these days yet none the less a very important

topic which must be addressed.

Campaign financing has very specific rules, which are governed with an iron rod.

However the major party's have found ways to cheat. A loop hole which must be closed

To ensure that democracy thrives for many years to come. The rules for campaign

financing are simple. Individuals are permitted to give, $1000.00 per candidate per

election. Where as interest groups are allowed to donate $5000.00 per candidate per

election. These are relatively small amounts compared to the hundreds of millions of

dollars spent by both major party's this election season. So where does the money come

from? The answer to this question is quite simple. The national committees of the major

party's, have many accounts which are non-federal. These accounts are used to accrue

what is known as soft money. There are no limits on how much the party's can spend at

local levels for grass roots party building. So the money in the non-federal regulated

accounts is funneled to states, which use the money to endorse or bash one of the

candidates. The answer to the problem is simple reform the laws which govern campaign

financing.

While the answer may be simple achieving the solution is quite a different story.

The major party's control the law making body of the United States. Many of these

Congressmen owe their political position to what is known as soft money. This soft

money comes from interest groups and major corporations. So the legislators are in a

very tough position. However...

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... Many would argue on this topic that since the soft money is only used at local

levels for party building purposes. That there should be no reform, and the system should

remain unchanged. However slamming a candidate with negative television ads isn't

what I call party building it's slander. Others would say that Senator McCain from

Arizona already has a proposed law on the table. Yet, the law has been in congress for

over a year now with no results and none in sight. It's time for the politicians to do their

job and stop trying to cheat to keep it.

Campaign finance reform is a very hot topic. It seems that many are jumping on

The bandwagon hoping for some good press when a law is finally passed. The latest

Gov. Bush of Texas and Vice-President Al Gore. Undoubtately they are fighting for

votes in a close election, since the two of them have set a record in soft money spent for

this election. This is my challenge to the two party's which control the congress. Fight

to make politics about issues and leadership once again. Let's take our country back

From the huge corporations and interest groups.