Money in Politics

Abstract

There is one basic problem undermining the ability of Congress to address all other issues effectively. That problem is the corrosive, pervasive, and too often invisible influence of special interest money. Most damaging to Congress is the recent explosion in campaign finance contributions from political action committees. There are other forms of special interest money that are also increasingly corroding the integrity of Congress, such as speaking fees and undisclosed multimilliondollar lobbying efforts. All of this special interest money is threatening the ability of Congress to govern. We must look for ways to make it easier for congressional candidates to say no to political action committees, say no to the interest groups offering honoraria, and say no to hidden lobbying pressures. The best way we can help Congress to say no is to provide some form of public financing for congressional campaigns.