Rand Paul: “the Enron bankruptcy and the subsequent revelations regarding Enron's political influence have once again brought…”

“the Enron bankruptcy and the subsequent revelations regarding Enron's political influence have once again brought campaign finance to the forefront of the congressional agenda. Ironically, many of the strongest proponents of campaign finance reform are among those who receive the largest donations from special interests seeking state favors. In fact, some legislators who were involved in the government-created savings and loan scandal of the late eighties and early nineties today pose as born again advocates of ``good government'' via campaign finance reform! Mr. Chairman, this so-called ``reform'' legislation is clearly unconstitutional. Many have pointed out that the First amendment unquestionably grants individuals and businesses the free and unfettered right to advertise, lobby, and contribute to politicians as they choose. Campaign reform legislation blows a huge hole in these First amendment protections by criminalizing criticism of elected officials. Thus, passage of this bill will import into American law the totalitarian concept that government officials should be able to use their power to silence their critics.”