Consider
this:
Many worried Republicans on the ballot in November have been pushing away from the White House, not wanting to be dragged under by President Bush's sinking approval ratings and growing anxiety over Iraq. That doesn't mean they're also fleeing his cash offerings, however.
Despite approval ratings in the mid-to-upper 30s, Bush remains the nation's most successful fundraiser. Vice President Dick Cheney, whose poll numbers are even lower than Bush's, is not far behind. Both have raised tens of millions of dollars for GOP congressional and gubernatorial candidates running in this year's midterm elections.
Low approval ratings, but record fundraising. Hmmmm. What does this tell us
generally about campaign financing in our country? (hint: think small group of big donors)
Now consider this:
In early April, the House of Representatives will consider H.R. 1316, sponsored by Representative Mike Pence (R-IN). H.R.1316 repeals the limit on the total amount that an individual can contribute to all federal candidates and to political parties in a two-year election cycle. It would:
Allow a single individual to contribute an overall total of more than $4,000,000 to members of Congress and their political parties to influence federal elections in a two-year election cycle.
Allow a President, Senator or Representative to solicit a total of almost $3,000,000 from a single individual for the officeholder's party and the party's federal candidates in a two-year election cycle.
Allow a member of Congress to solicit more than $1,000,000 from a single individual to be spent by the Member and the Member's party to directly support the Member's election in a two-year election cycle.
The hordes of Americans clamoring to contribute $4 million to political campaigns every two years will now be satisfied. Who needs approval ratings?
