Campaign Finance Showdown

November 22, 2002 • Volume 12, Issue 41
Are limits on “soft money” and “issue ads” valid?
By Kenneth Jost

Introduction

At the National Rifle Association's 2000 annual meeting, President Charlton Heston criticizes the pro-gun control stance taken by the Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Al Gore. In TV ads aired during the campaign, Heston lifts the musket and declares, “From my cold, dead hands, Mr. Gore.” During the 2000 elections, the NRA spent $20 million on so-called issue ads, which did not explicitly urge a vote against Gore, and thus did not count as expenditures subject to federal campaign laws.  (AP Photo/Ric Feld)
At the National Rifle Association's 2000 annual meeting, President Charlton Heston criticizes the pro-gun control stance taken by the Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Al Gore. In TV ads aired during the campaign, Heston lifts the musket and declares, “From my cold, dead hands, Mr. Gore.” During the 2000 elections, the NRA spent $20 million on so-called issue ads, which did not explicitly urge a vote against Gore, and thus did not count as expenditures subject to federal campaign laws. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)

The first major overhaul of campaign finance law in a generation just went into effect. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act — the so-called McCain-Feingold law — bans “soft money,” the unregulated funds given to political parties by corporations, unions and wealthy donors. It also regulates funds raised for election-time radio and television advertising by corporations, unions or advocacy groups. A broad coalition of plaintiffs — political party organizations, corporate and labor interests and advocacy groups — say the law is an unconstitutional restriction on political speech and activity. A federal court is due to hear arguments on Dec. 4, in time for a final Supreme Court ruling by summer.

ISSUE TRACKER for Related Reports
Campaign Finance
May 06, 2016  Campaign Finance
May 28, 2010  Campaign Finance Debates
Jun. 13, 2008  Campaign Finance Reform
Nov. 22, 2002  Campaign Finance Showdown
Mar. 31, 2000  Campaign Finance Reform
Feb. 09, 1996  Campaign Finance Reform
Mar. 29, 1985  Campaign Finance Debate
Oct. 11, 1974  Campaign Spending in Europe and America
May 03, 1956  Campaign Controls
Apr. 18, 1952  Control of Campaign Abuses
Jun. 05, 1946  Campaign Spending and the Law
Apr. 15, 1940  Money in Politics
Jul. 01, 1931  Revision of Federal Corrupt Practices Act
Dec. 01, 1929  The Vare Case
Apr. 06, 1928  Presidential Campaign Funds
Aug. 17, 1926  Excessive Expenditures in Election Campaigns
Aug. 10, 1926  Illegal and Corrupt Practices in Elections
Jul. 16, 1924  Election Costs and Campaign Contributions
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