Outside Money in the 2000 Presidential Primaries and Congressional General Elections

Abstract

Beginning with the 1996 election cycle, political parties and interest groups, through soft money and issue advocacy, have mounted substantial campaigns in competitive elections. Noncandidate campaigns, funded with this outside money, are in some ways extensions of independent expenditure campaigns. However, by avoiding the words of express advocacy, as defined by the Supreme Court, groups may avoid the disclosure requirements imposed on independent expenditures. Party soft money contributions are disclosed but spending is unlimited.