campaign finance reform

[koopie57]

My son is working on a project for school and needs to ask a person who is knowledgeable in the area of campaign finance reform five questions. He has tried his senators and other phone numbers of organizations but has had a hard time connecting, I suppose cuz of the holidays. I was wondering if anyone here who is familiar with this topic would take time to answer the five questions, we would be very appreciative. And to entice you further, he is a fine example that are children is learning.

1. Do you feel that campaign finance reform is a big issue today?

2. Are you familiar with which companies are supplying "soft money to politicians?

3. If any, which of those companies do you know have factories/locations in free trade zones?

4. Are you familiar with the amount of "soft money" and gifts that were given to politicians during the last elections. If so, can you comment on the approximate amount

5. What are you personal thoughts and feelings on the issue of campaign finance and ethics reform?

Thank you.

[GeneCosta]

1. Being a Green and a Democrat

I can tell you that campaign reform is one policy I wish the Democrats would adopt. Of course I realize this would put them at a big disadvantage -- God knows what Republicans would do then.



This site should help you:
http://www.opensecrets.org/

Also from the Green Party's official website (gp.org)

2004 Elections
Republicans ($250 million):
Morgan Stanley
$573,380
Merrill Lynch
$546,154
PriceWaterhouse
$499,850
UBS Americas
$439,275
Goldman Sachs
$357,025

Democrats ($230 million):
University of California
$486,610
Harvard University
$320,089
Time Warner
$268,349
Microsoft Corp
$260,593
Citigroup Inc
$256,606

[Cleita]

2. I'm not an expert but my answers are:

1. Do you feel that campaign finance reform is a big issue today?

It should be a big issue but it isn't. We still have those who are entrenched in the system who don't want to address it, even Democrats.

2. Are you familiar with which companies are supplying "soft money to politicians?

I find that various websites like "Open Secrets" try to track the funds received by candidates and can be very informative. Also you can google as much as your brain allows you to ask different questions. I have found a lot of hidden gems of corruption this way.

3. If any, which of those companies do you know have factories/locations in free trade zones?

Sometimes the best way to find that out is to go to their websites and start following links. Also, the websites often state what they stand for and that can lead to more google searches that are amazingly interesting.

4. Are you familiar with the amount of "soft money" and gifts that were given to politicians during the last elections. If so, can you comment on the approximate amount

No, but like I said sometimes going to the source and following the money is really revealing. Sometimes they actually give themselves away.

5. What are you personal thoughts and feelings on the issue of campaign finance and ethics reform?

If we don't do it soon, our democracy will be doomed.

Thank you.

[koopie57]

3. thank you very much

for reading my post and taking time to respond. Thank you so much.