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Campaign Finance Reform

Introduction
Each year billions of dollars are spent on getting candidates of various offices of government elected. Many candidates have had tremendous success through the efforts of much needed monetary contributions to their campaign. Contributors range from unions, religious leaders, organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), the National Rifle Association (NRA), and senior citizens groups. When these groups, known as special interest groups, donate to candidate’s campaign, they expect the candidate to respond to their issues. Because special interest groups, as well as private citizens donate more and more money to campaigns, there is some concern that there is a great need for campaign finance reform.
The total price of the 2004 presidential and congressional elections was $4 billion and perhaps a lot more, up from nearly $3 billion in 2000 (opensecrets.org, 2006). Campaign contributions cover the cost of advertisement, political consultants, the cost of travel, printing and mailings fees, and the list goes on. In this technological society that we live in, new technology contributes to the increased cost of elections. Candidates have changed with the times and have gotten more sophisticated in the area of campaigning. The Internet is a great source of election information and individuals who are running for office has taken advantage of setting up websites to keep voters informed on where they stand on certain issues. The cost of financing a good campaign and thoroughly getting the name of a candidate out is costly and can put a strain on any budget.
The first Federal campaign finance legislation was a 1867 law that prohibited Federal officers from requesting contributions from Navy Yard workers (Federal Election Commission, 2006). During the 1800s parties depended on donations from private citizens to fund their campaigns. During this era, congress enacted many laws to prohibit the wealthiest individuals from taking total control or...