[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SOFT MONEY BAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 19, 1999

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, last session, we came close to 
passing meaningful campaign finance reform that would have put 
integrity back in our election laws. Unfortunately, the final bill died 
in the House and the 1998 elections were business as usual.
  When we look at the numbers of the 1998 election, they tell us the 
whole story: that money decided the winners and losers of the 
elections.
  According to the Center for Responsive Politics, in 94 percent of 
Senate races and 95 percent of U.S. House races, the candidate who 
spent the most money was the winner on election day. In the House of 
Representatives, incumbent re-election rate was 98 percent--the highest 
rate since 1988 and one of the highest this century. This re-election 
rate was directly attributed to the amount of money spent.
  We have got to take a stand now. If we do not, the race for money 
will only continue to grow and grow.
  We can argue on the numerous provisions that should be included in 
comprehensive campaign finance reform, but one thing we should all 
agree on is the banning of soft money to National Parties.
  My bill simply does that. It places the same limits on the 
contributions to the National Parties as is currently in effect for 
contributions made to all candidates for federal office.
  Let's ban soft money this year. Let's take a stand and restore 
confidence in our government.

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