The Senate is scheduled to begin debate of the McCain-Feingold legislation in early October. But because of a threatened filibuster by McConnell, a total of 60 votes is necessary in order to pass the bill. The current version of the bill focuses on a soft money ban. Senator McConnell has not been afraid of wielding the NRSC's purse-strings in such a way as to disadvantage Senate candidates who support campaign finance reform. Many observers cite Senator McConnell's reluctance to support Smith as one of the reasons she lost.
Hard money means contributions that are legal under federal law for federal elections.
Soft money means contributions made outside the limits and prohibitions of federal law, including large individual and direct corporate or union contributions.