That's the easy part. Al Gore would slow the flood of private money into public hands by setting up a foundation to pay the campaign costs of all who forgo corporate and personal donations. Such a requirement, of course, cannot be imposed on the print media or the Internet because these are not public franchises. George W. Bush's program is rather complex. He also would prohibit registered lobbyists from contributing funds to members while Congress is in session.
Cynics argue that there is just no way to stop money from flooding into politicians' coffers.
If one approach is dammed, they say, the money will just find another. They should look at Britain. Parliamentary-election costs there are much lower because campaigns basically are limited to a few weeks. If a candidate spends more, the election results are invalidated. Candidates can mail one leaflet to each household free of charge, and the parties get free but rationed television time.