Those are about the same odds now facing a quartet that consists of Lewis and three equally persistent allies - Ann McBride, Kent Cooper and Ellen Miller. Each leads a group dedicated to reforming the campaign-money system. This moment, as the Senate investigates troubling 1996 fund-raising, is one they have yearned for since Watergate. The public is not exactly in a lather about campaign-finance reform. But these advocates say it's a huge mistake to ignore the fact that corporations, unions and rich people are sinking tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars apiece into candidates, causes and political parties.
Money has a tremendous influence on basic real-life issues.
And money is drowning out our voices. Not everyone considers these four players guardians of democracy. Reform opponents range from conservative Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to labor unions, businesses, individuals and interest groups. They're against reform plans that cut back or ban certain contributions to candidates and parties. They're also against mandatory spending limits.