Political Quotes

“for several days now the Senate has debated campaign finance reform legislation. Advocates of the so-called McCain-Feingold proposal deserve credit for advancing the issue. Unfortunately, in the view of a majority, they have been unable to construct a bill that does not violate the first amendment to the Constitution. There are other proposals for reform that I believe can address the problems without compromising the Constitution. Therefore, I will vote to bring at least one of those proposals--the Paycheck Protection Act--to a vote but not yet support consideration of McCain-Feingold. Some have argued that details are less important than the general principle of reform. But reform to one is not necessarily reform to another. For example, most Republicans believe that all contributions to politics should be voluntary. Most Democrats, on the other hand, say they agree but they are unwilling to give up compulsory union dues that are then contributed to candidates. Thus, reform to us is not reform to them. Recognizing that we approach the need for reform from different perspectives, I have tried to evaluate the issue by applying some basic principles that I think most of us would agree with. For example, our laws should be clear, simple, and enforceable. They should insist on full and timely disclosure. They should place constituent interest over special interest. They should ensure voluntary participation for all.”