There is a large coalition backing it and a large one hoping to kill it. Handgun Control, which advertised heavily in Milwaukee, hasn't taken a position. In many ways, there is no middle ground in this debate. Groups from the American Civil Liberties Union to the NRA argue that the bill creates a new category of restricted speech, making it unconstitutional and undemocratic. Supporters say the McCain-Feingold bill is about ending the corruption of big money and making interest groups accountable.
Critics say it's about curbing speech and protecting incumbents.
Amid this polarized dialogue, Rosenthal, the AFL-CIO's political director, is a bit more philosophical. Journal Sentinel Inc. All rights reserved.