However, candidates spending their own money could not be regulated, since these candidates couldn t corrupt themselves. Nor could independent spending be limited, since, without coordinated efforts with campaigns, it couldn t lead to corruption. The Supreme Court also said that mandatory limits on how much a candidate may spend are unconstitutional. However, spending limits can be imposed if they are voluntary or are agreed to in order to receive some other benefit. While people may have a general sense that things are not right in our current system of campaign finance, it may help to spell out exactly what is wrong with it.
Campaigns cost too much.
The top three spenders in 1998 were legislative leaders whose spending was mostly to help elect other candidates. A handful of wealthy individuals and special interest groups gives the overwhelming majority of this money. This money helps elect candidates favorable to the positions of those who give and buys them access and influence. It is harder to prove the access and influence that contributors gain with these legislators. But simple knowledge of human nature suggests that a connection exists.