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Money

A key area of contention in the campaign finance reform debate has been "soft money." While contributions to a specific candidate -- "hard money" -- are limited, "soft money" contributions are unlimited. The loophole is that "soft money" contributions go to the national party for "get out the vote" drives, instead of directly to the candidate. Yet, the party knows why the "soft money" contribution is made and ensures that candidates attracting the money benefit. Campaign finance reform initiatives aim to limit soft money. However, its opponents argue that money donated for political campaigns is a form of free speech. Many making this argument benefit from this system, however they count with them two unlikely allies: members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the American Civil Liberties Union. The former argue that soft money is essential in "get out the vote" drives, while the latter agree with the argument that political money is a form of free speech.

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