Political Quotes

“we have been bogged down by excuses and dilatory tactics trying to get a vote on real campaign finance reform. All the while, our constituents have been looking on with disgust, and soft money contributions have proliferated. Serving on the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, I have become more convinced than ever that we must close campaign finance loopholes. Today, we finally have that opportunity to move forward with real reform, with the Shays-Meehan substitute. This substitute addresses fundamental flaws in our system: the proliferation of soft money and issue ads. It closes the soft money loophole on both the Federal and State levels. Soft money contributions, whether by individuals, labor, corporations, have led to egregious fund-raising practices and to the escalating cost of elections. This bill also requires that any funds spent by State, district and local political parties for Federal election activity be subject to the Federal Election Campaign Act limits. Shays-Meehan's issue advocacy reforms will end the takeover of elections by special interest groups, and it will lead to fair and responsible political advertising.”