Max Baucus: “I rise in support of the important campaign finance reform legislation that is before us today. I support this…”

“I rise in support of the important campaign finance reform legislation that is before us today. I support this legislation because I believe it represents the right kind of change. While not a perfect solution, it will help put our political process back where it belongs: with the people. And it will take power away from the wealthy special interests that all too often call the shots in our political system. Yet, ironically, by failing to act; by failing to pass this legislation; we will also be opening the door to change--the wrong kind of change. Our political system will continue to drift in the dangerous direction of special interest. Over the years since 1971, when Congress last enacted campaign finance reform, special interest groups supporting both political parties have found creative new ways, some of questionable legality, to get around the intent of our campaign finance laws. Things like soft money, independent expenditures, and political action committees all came about as a consequence of very well-intended attempts at campaign finance reform. Need for Reform This is an arcane subject, but it hits home. One of the benefits to walking across Montana, in addition to the beautiful scenery, is that I hear what real people in Montana think. Average folks who do not get paid to fly to Washington and tell elected officials what they think. Folks who work hard, play by the rules, and are still struggling to get by.”