He would never win, they said. But where others only saw windmills, McCain saw possibilities. It is supposed to pay for administrative expenses and party-building efforts, but the parties increasingly spent it on advertising in support of candidates. The current system gives at least the impression that donors get legislative favors, undermining public faith in government. Money would flow instead to independent groups that would help politicians and be less accountable.
Political campaigns are more expensive, largely because of costly television ads.
The political system does not need more money. Higher limits will further disenfranchise donors of smaller amounts. Ads by political parties or independent groups that, in discussing political issues, target politicians but do not specifically call for their election or defeat. The bill would prohibit issue ads within 60 days of a general election and 30 days of a primary. Such ads give interest groups too much power in elections.