Letter from Scholars to Senators McCain and Feingold in Response to Challenges to the McCain-Feingold Bill

This letter to responds to public challenges to two components of S.27, the McCain-Feingold Bill. Critics have argued that it is unconstitutional to close the so-called soft money loophole by placing restrictions on the source and amount of campaign contributions to political parties. Critics have also argued that it is unconstitutional to require disclosure of campaign ads sponsored by advocacy groups unless the ads contain explicit words of advocacy, such as “vote for” or “vote against.” Both suggestions are rejected.