The Nation : Campaign Funds Sought

Two senators, saying they want to curb the growing influence of the “rich and powerful” on Congress, unveiled legislation to establish limited public financing of Senate campaigns. Charles McC. Mathias Jr. (R-Md.) and Paul Simon (D-Ill.) told a news conference their colleagues privately share their view that the escalating cost of seeking office holds politicians captive to political action committees. “There’s no question it has an impact on the conduct of legislators and the results of the legislation,” Simon said. “Our present system of financing campaigns is keyed to respond to the wishes of the rich and powerful.”