Unconstitutional Campaign Finance Reform On Its Way Out

Cal Thomas | Syndicated columnist | Updated: Jul 17, 2001

Unconstitutional Campaign Finance Reform On Its Way Out

So-called campaign finance reform appears to be dead, or close to it, for another congressional session. Democrats blame Republicans for scuttling last Thursday what I call the Media Preservation Act. The New York Times and Washington Post editorially campaigned for the House and Senate measures like lobbyists pushing legislation.

The fact is, campaign finance reform is way down on the list of what people care about, but it gives politicians a chance to huff and puff about morality without taking responsibility for their own.

Limiting what candidates can raise and spend, especially close to an election, is an outrageous abridgement of the First Amendment. Because the media is so left-wing, how are conservative candidates and their issues going to get a fair hearing unless TV time can be bought? TV time is expensive, so there won't be much to buy if contributions and spending are limited. These bills also help protect incumbents, making it even more difficult for a challenger to toss someone out.

There should be no limit on giving or spending. What is given and what is spent should be immediately available on the Internet for all to see.

Unconstitutional Campaign Finance Reform On Its Way Out