In its current form the bill would ban all soft money contributions and restrict advertisements from outside groups that either support or oppose political candidates. Many consumer groups believe that the more money a person gives, the more access that person, or special interest group, has to the candidate to lobby for their issues. People with the money get their issues taken care of. It is to the people. Opponents of campaign finance reform believe the McCain-Feingold bill would weaken the political parties and would keep citizens from participating in the political process.
Some opponents say laws restricting campaign contributions violates the right of free speech.
Senator Chuck Hagel said the McCain-Feingold measure is too restrictive. Environmentalists, Democrats, and some Republicans have reacted with dismay. It is a disturbing indication that this president has a political tin ear on environmental issues. Bush wrote a letter Tuesday to four Republican senators saying he would not force the nation's power plants to cut back on carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is a key contributor to global warming.