Rethinking the Campaign Finance Agenda

Abstract

For one-third of a century, federal campaign finance debates have been stuck in a corruption rut. Whether in Congress, FEC or the courts, most of the action has been about limiting contributions and certain expenditures. After defending the ban of soft money contributions to national political parties and questioning the effects of electioneering regulations, the article argues that whatever one's positions on these issues it is time to rethink the agenda for future research and action. Rather than focus on corruption prevention, research and policy should move to such positive goals as increasing electoral competition, candidate emergence and promoting equality through small donors and volunteers. The article concludes with initial survey research findings from an ongoing project on donor participation.

Recommended Citation

Malbin, Michael J. (2008) "Rethinking the Campaign Finance Agenda," The Forum: Vol. 6 : Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol6/iss1/art3