Introduction

In the House of Representatives the Democrats have insisted on caps on PAC donations, some public subsidies, and campaign expenditure limits. Competing proposals have been rejected by the Republicans, including President Bush, who oppose both spending limits and public financing. Since then the French have enacted public financing legislation, and a number of countries in Eastern Europe that have emerged from the collapse of Communism have already or will probably introduce some form of public party and campaign finance. The public outcry against increasing the salaries of members of Congress, which can be seen also as a means of providing more financial independence and security for elected officials, is further evidence of public hostility toward politicians. Various limited public funding schemes for the candidates of certain offices exist in two dozen states and several cities. Sizable amounts of public funds are given to party groups and party foundations.