While prospects for campaign finance reform legislation during this session of Congress remain slim at best, politicians are busy pointing the finger of blame and trying to draw lessons from the contentious debate. The Senate adjourned for its October recess without a final vote on the bill. A feeling of cynicism, however, was also found. Fifty-six percent of those polled said they did not think either party was serious about campaign reform.
Specific legislation does exist to promote political choice.
The Fawell bill was marked-up by the House Education and the Work Force Committee on October 8. An initiative to guarantee political choice for California residents is expected to go before Golden State voters in June of 1998. Written authorization must be obtained by employers and union leaders on an annual basis, and violations are subject to the penalties assigned by existing California laws. The Initiative has the support of Governor Pete Wilson, who is serving as the CRI campaign's honorary chairman. Others supporting the CRI include former Vice President Dan Quayle and U.S. Representative Chris Cox.