Campaign Finance History Issue Ads, Soft Money And The 1990's YouTube

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Table of Contents

1. What is Soft Money?
2. When was Soft Money Created?
3. Who Uses Soft Money?
4. Is Soft Money Legal?
5. What is the Future of Soft Money?

What is Soft Money?

Soft money is a term used to describe political donations made to political parties for general purposes, such as voter registration drives, issue advertising, and get-out-the-vote efforts. Unlike hard money, which is subject to federal regulation and limits, soft money is not subject to any legal limits, and the source of the money can remain anonymous.

Soft money contributions are made to political parties, rather than to individual candidates. These contributions can be used for a wide range of activities, including television and radio advertising, direct mail campaigns, and other forms of voter outreach. Soft money is often used to fund issue advocacy campaigns, which are designed to raise awareness about specific issues, rather than to support or oppose a particular candidate.

Soft money contributions have been criticized for their potential to influence politics and undermine the integrity of the electoral process. Critics argue that soft money donations can be used to buy access to politicians and influence their decisions. Others argue that soft money can be used to circumvent campaign finance laws and contribute to the perception that wealthy donors have undue influence over the political process.

When was Soft Money Created?

The use of soft money in U.S. politics dates back to the 1970s, when political parties began to solicit large donations from corporations, labor unions, and other organizations for party-building activities. Prior to the 1970s, political parties were largely funded by small donations from individual supporters.

The use of soft money grew dramatically in the 1980s and 1990s, as political parties sought to raise more money for advertising and other campaign activities. In 2002, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA), also known as the McCain-Feingold Act, was passed by Congress to regulate the use of soft money in federal elections. The BCRA banned political parties from accepting soft money from corporations, labor unions, and other organizations, but allowed them to accept limited amounts of soft money from individuals.

Who Uses Soft Money?

Soft money is used by political parties, rather than individual candidates. Both the Democratic and Republican parties have used soft money to fund a wide range of activities, including advertising, voter outreach, and get-out-the-vote efforts. Soft money has also been used by third-party groups, such as political action committees (PACs) and super PACs, to influence elections and advocate for specific issues.

Soft money is often used by political parties to support down-ballot candidates, such as state legislators and local officials, who may not have the resources to fund their own campaigns. Soft money can also be used to fund issue advocacy campaigns, which are designed to raise awareness about specific issues, rather than to support or oppose a particular candidate.

Is Soft Money Legal?

Soft money is legal, but it is subject to certain restrictions and regulations. The BCRA, passed in 2002, banned political parties from accepting soft money from corporations, labor unions, and other organizations, but allowed them to accept limited amounts of soft money from individuals. The BCRA also required third-party groups to disclose their donors and expenditures.

Despite these regulations, the use of soft money in politics has continued to be a controversial issue. Critics argue that soft money allows wealthy donors to exert undue influence over the political process, while others argue that it is a necessary tool for political parties to compete in elections and engage voters.

What is the Future of Soft Money?

The future of soft money in U.S. politics is uncertain. While the BCRA banned political parties from accepting soft money from corporations, labor unions, and other organizations, it did not address the issue of independent expenditures by third-party groups. In 2010, the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission opened the door for unlimited independent expenditures by corporations and labor unions, giving rise to the so-called "super PACs."

Since the Citizens United decision, the use of soft money by third-party groups has continued to grow, leading some to speculate that the distinction between soft money and hard money may eventually become meaningless. Others argue that the increased transparency and disclosure requirements for independent expenditures will help to limit the influence of wealthy donors and special interests in the political process.

Conclusion

Soft money has a long and controversial history in U.S. politics. While it is legal, it has been subject to increasing regulation and scrutiny in recent years, as concerns about the influence of wealthy donors and special interests in the political process have grown. The future of soft money in U.S. politics is uncertain, but it is clear that the issue will continue to be a source of debate and controversy among politicians, activists, and voters for years to come.