Pete Sessions: “Senators from the other side of the aisle made comments about the Republican Presidential primary, taking sides in those…”

“Senators from the other side of the aisle made comments about the Republican Presidential primary, taking sides in those primaries. I think it is somewhat odd they would want to debate some of the issues here. With regard to the concerns over contributions that are going to independent groups--I believe New York was complained of--to run TV ads, money was given by a small number of people who made large contributions to run those ads. It was said that this is a justification for passing the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform legislation. My best understanding of what that bill is all about is that this would not be covered. Fundamentally, the McCain-Feingold bill covered contributions of larger sums of money to political parties but it did not prevent people giving large contributions to an independent environmental group, an independent pro-choice group, or an independent pro-life group so they could run ads during a campaign season and say: Candidate Jeff Sessions doesn't agree with our views, vote against him. The problem I have had with campaign finance reform is it was not in this McCain-Feingold bill. Why? Because this is America, these are political campaigns. Is the Senate going to pass a law that says individual American citizens can't raise money and run an ad and express their view as to how the American public should or should not vote on an issue? It is frustrating to have the moneys come in. I certainly believe they ought to be disclosed.…”