For the first time in more than a quarter century, Congress has passed and the president has signed into law a major reform of the way political campaigns are financed. Effective November 6, 2002, the law shuts down much "soft money" raised and spent by political parties and outside groups. The law also will affect how political campaigns are funded, how political advertising is conducted, how laws are enforced, and how nonprofits and political parties conduct voter registration and other grassroots activities.
Soft Money Hard Law provides a guide to the new law. It explains how the complex new rules are intended to work, and anticipates key questions--some of them controversial--that the Federal Election Commission, and more decisively, the courts will have to address.
The book lays out the changes for political parties, outside groups, candidates, and contributors who raise, give, and spend money to advance their political goals. The book also covers the background on recent developments in campaign finance, which is needed to understand the reforms and their impact.
