Thomas Daschle: “we just announced the signing of a letter dated September 9 by every one of our Democratic colleagues in support of some…”

“we just announced the signing of a letter dated September 9 by every one of our Democratic colleagues in support of some bipartisan legislation that I hope will enjoy even broader bipartisan support in the not-too-distant future. The letter is addressed to the majority leader. Because it is brief, and I think the letter is very to the point, perhaps it would be appropriate for me simply to read it. On July 9, we sent you a letter requesting a date certain on which comprehensive campaign finance reform legislation would be considered on the floor. Today, we do more than simply renew this request. The purpose of this letter is to communicate to you in the clearest terms possible our specific legislative intentions in this regard. Senate Democrats are prepared to cast 45 affirmative votes for the substitute language to S. 25, as announced by Senators McCain and Feingold on May 22, 1997. This support, coupled with the votes of the three current Republican cosponsors of this legislation, constitutes 48 votes for final passage, merely two votes shy of a majority. While each of us might prefer to craft a bill to our individual liking, we recognize that 1997 represents an historic opportunity for comprehensive reform. We are therefore prepared to announce our unanimous support for the only comprehensive, bipartisan approach with a viable prospect of enactment in this session.”