Campaign Finance Reform

Guests discussed political action committees and proposals to require public financing of campaigns. Ellen S. Miller, Center for Responsive Politics, recently wrote that election 1994 is the “Year of the Millionaire.” She favors public financing and the abolition of PACs as a way to open up the political system to more candidates. Curtis B. Gans, Committee for the Study of the American Electorate, thinks both Miller’s proposals are unrealistic and possibly unconstitutional. John C. Bonifaz is the author of a legal theory asserting that current campaign financing laws violate the First Amendment. He is suing the state of New York on behalf of congressional democratic candidate from New York, Sal Albanese. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky is opposed to spending or giving limits in campaigns. Mr. Bonifaz and Senator McConnell took part in the discussion via telephone. close