Advocacy Groups and Campaign Finance Reform Panelists talked about a report released by Brigham Young University Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy that day, “Dancing without Partners: How Candidates, Parties and Interest Groups Interact in the New Campaign Finance Environment.” Campaign strategists involved with advocacy groups focused on the impact of “527” groups on the 2004 elections, the role of independent organizations in campaign messages, and various advertising and public relations efforts used in the 2004 presidential election. Following their remarks they answered questions from the audience. close