[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 1, 1997

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, on Monday of this week, 81 former Members of 
Congress, led by former Vice President Walter Mondale and former 
Senator Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, called on this Congress to ban soft 
money. They join a growing list of well-respected leaders of this 
Nation who have said that a ban on soft money is good for this country 
and good for our democratic process. Among the other leaders who have 
endorsed a ban are former Presidents George Bush, Jimmy Carter and 
Gerald Ford.
  Mr. Speaker, if you have no desire to respect the opinion of the 
majority of the current Members of Congress, at least listen to these 
former Members. The former Members who called for the ban receive no 
political gain from their position. They are a bipartisan group from 
throughout the Nation. They are the people who understand the issue, 
know how the process works, and recognize that a ban on soft money 
makes sense for our country.
  Mr. Speaker, the list of those who support a soft money ban is only 
growing. The House leadership is the only road block to taking action 
on this crucial issue. It is time to allow a vote on campaign finance 
reform. I will no longer take ``no'' for an answer.

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