[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 158 (Monday, November 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

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                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, November 9, 1997

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, today is the end of the line for those of us 
who support campaign finance reform. Today, it is expected that we will 
complete our legislative session, and will adjourn for the rest of the 
year. We will adjourn without having been given a vote on campaign 
finance reform. The leadership of this House has rejected the pleas of 
myself and many of my colleagues to bring a bill to the floor for a 
debate and vote.
  It is obvious that the current system is broken and needs dramatic 
change. Too much money is being spent on campaigns. This has prohibited 
many qualified individuals from running for office, it has created 
disgust with the democratic process, and it has resulted in some of the 
lowest voter turnout in years. It is our responsibility as elected 
officials to change the current system.
  There have been some promises that the House will consider a campaign 
finance reform bill in March of next year. It will be too late. Next 
year is an election year and even if we do pass legislation which will 
change the current system, which is still unlikely, it will be too late 
for the 1998 election cycle. That means a continued escalation of 
spending in campaigns, more soft money expenditures, more independent 
expenditures by special interest groups, and ultimately more public 
dissatisfaction with the process.
  I have risen each day and made a statement calling for a vote on 
campaign finance reform. The leadership has failed to respond to my 
call. More importantly, they have failed to respond to the demands of 
the public for an end to the big money race.
  I hope that when we return next year we will respond to the demands 
of the public and allow a vote on campaign finance reform. The people 
of my district demand that we take action.




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