Time to Change Election Rules?

Senators McCain, left, and Feingold have fought for reform since 1995.

Do millionaires, big businesses, unions and rich organizations have too much influence in U.S. elections? Many Americans think so. And now, after years of debate, Congress seems ready to do something about it.

This week Senators will vote on a law to change the way politicians get money for their campaigns. Senators John McCain of Arizona and Russell Feingold of Wisconsin created the bill. It would put new limits on the huge sums of money spent on elections.

Under current law, no one can give more than $1,000 to a candidate. Such a gift is known as a "hard money" donation. But in recent years, people have found a way around the limit by giving millions to a political party, as opposed to a candidate. This is called a "soft money" donation.

This week the Senate is expected to approve a total ban on soft money. It is also likely to raise the "hard money" limit to $2,000. If the House of Representatives approves the bill, as expected, President Bush would decide whether to make it a law.

McCain has long fought for the change. He says it will strengthen political parties because they will have to focus on "small donors" and ordinary Americans, not just the rich and powerful.