But they don't dare risk not raising as much money and influence as their colleagues and opponents. Look at how hard Feingold had to fight for reelection when he swore off soft money. He barely won. And several Republican candidates have lost races when they received no soft money from the NRSC, chaired by McConnell, who did not like their views on campaign finance. The huge influx of soft money has led to a heightened cynicism among voters not seen since Boss Tweed.
Voters feel they have little influence over their elected representatives.
The Republican presidential primaries are four months away. No soft money has gone to any of the candidates. But fundraising has become such an important aspect of campaigning that quite a few respectable candidates have dropped out months before a single vote has been cast. Elizabeth Dole's withdrawal last week was made for several reasons. She had not turned out to be the campaigner she thought she was.