Issues of campaign finance continue to command the public s attention. Even now, in the relative quiet between political campaign seasons, the questions of how money is raised and what impact that has on our democratic system are relevant. But, even more problematic than the occasional allegation of illegality is the impact of what is completely legal.
Candidates can give unlimited amounts to their own campaigns.
There is also no limit on what can be given to or by political parties at the state level. While this soft money is not supposed to be used for individual candidates, it is often hard to be sure that this has not, in fact, happened. There are few restrictions on campaign activities of unaffiliated groups, those that are not formally aligned with a particular candidate or party. Also, the Buckley decision ignores the impact of campaign spending on those unable to contribute. In Buckley , the Court went on to say that speech may only be restricted if government has a compelling reason to do so.