Campaigns spend billions of dollars on various activities like TV ads, office space, materials, and websites to promote their candidates. This money comes from various sources, including individuals, political action committees, special interest groups, and political parties. There are limits on how much each person or group can contribute. However, large donors and special interests may expect some influence or access in exchange for their donations, which has led to calls for campaign finance reform.

1. Money and Elections Chapter 7 Section 3

2. Campaign Spending Money spent on: TV commercials Campaign office space & staff Pamphlets, bumper stickers, buttons, etc Web sites Travel Campaigns spent $2 billion during 2004 presidential election

3. Where the $$ comes from Private citizens Small contributors Large donors Candidates themselves Political Action Committees (PACs) Special interest groups (NRA, labor unions, corporations, etc) Political parties

4. Hard money vs. Soft money Hard money- Raised & spent specifically to help elect candidates Soft money- Given to political parties for party-building activities

5. Influence of money Small donors give mostly because they believe in a party or candidate. Some large donors expect access. Dinner at White House Pictures with President Labor unions, interest groups, corporations want say in policy agenda.

6. Reform and Limits An individual cannot give more than $2,000 to a single candidate, $5,000 to a PAC, or $25,000 to a party. Presidential Campaigns receive subsidies from the F.E.C. for general election & conventions Limits spending Allowed to refuse Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 Banned soft money donations to parties