CAPSULE COMMENTARY: “Campaign Finance Reform”

“Last night’s Republican debate included a sparring session between Bush and McCain regarding campaign-finance reform. McCain wants to see a dramatic reduction in soft money contributions, while Bush sees this as a political error that would hurt the Republican Party. McCain rightfully believes that special interests play a large role in the U.S. government, but campaign-finance reform as the solution is misguided. Is the problem campaign contributions or the government officials purchased by them? Instead of trampling on an individual’s right to donate to political candidates, wouldn’t it make more sense to eliminate government’s abilities to provide special goodies to people? After all, why bribe a candidate who can’t do anything for you?”