Campaign finance reform
During a March 2000 address at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Vice President Al Gore said that campaign finance reform is "one of the most important steps we can take to return government to the people." His father (Al Gore Sr.), Gore asserted, lost a Senate seat in 1970 in part because of "special interest money that was funneled into his opponent's campaign by the infamous Nixon 'dirty tricks' operation." This event, Gore maintained, has shaped his views and rendered him more sensitive to the campaign finance issue. Only a very small percentage of Americans contribute money to political campaigns. For example, only one percent of the population provided 1992 congressional candidates with 77 percent of their money. Most campaign money is donated by special interest groups such as large corporations, by political action committees, or by wealthy individuals. Campaign finance reform has become an important issue, particularly as we near the year 2000 Presidential election. Reformists call for public disclosure, but this alone will not solve the problem. It is, however, a step in the right direction. Says Fortune Magazine columnist Jeffrey Birnbaum: "...money in politics is like water: it will always fin
In 1994, for example, House incumbents won 90 percent of their elections. But many politicians use the money instead on various means of enhancing their images and advancing their careers. Nor are Republicans from affluent districts likely to vote with labor, no matter how much money PACs affiliated with the AFL-CIO send their way" (Jezer, 1996). Rarely is a member of Congress disciplined for violating rules on campaign spending. Is there too much money involved in political campaigns? To return for a moment to elections, it is true that there are federal limits on campaign contributions. A large portion of his campaign money was spent on events such as a tailgate party at Giants Stadium and a boat tour of New York Harbor, both designed to broaden his political base in New Jersey and raise funds for his campaign. On the other hand, some money is funneled to candidates through state political parties and non-profit groups, which are under no obligation to disclose donations.
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Acceptance Essays
