Patty Murray: “for the last 5 years we have been debating the issue of campaign finance reform and for the last 5 years we have failed…”

“for the last 5 years we have been debating the issue of campaign finance reform and for the last 5 years we have failed to fix the system that most Americans agree is broken. I have voted for campaign reform legislation several times now, and each time it has been killed off by filibuster. Today we are once again presented with the opportunity to do what is right and stop the rising tide of special interest money that is drowning the democratic process. We last debated the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform bill in October. Since that time the bipartisan group of Senators committed to reform has continued to work together to build a coalition and to craft a measure that is fair and offers meaningful change. I have been proud to support that effort. Changing the status quo has been an uphill battle. The opponents of reform cleverly disguise their argument. They wrap themselves in the flag and posture as protectors of 'free speech.' They make complicated and convoluted arguments about 'threats to the Constitution.' but here's what they are really saying: if you have more money, you are entitled to more influence over campaigns and elections. People out there find this argument to be a cynical charade and it's time to stop playing games. The opponents of reform are just not listening. The American people have been calling for reform for years, and now the call is louder than ever.”