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The article focuses on the amount of funds donated by a group of lobbyists and their spouses to U.S. political candidates and political parties per election cycle. Lobbyist Larry O'Brien and his wife Helen have given over $150,000 to the Democratic Party and its candidates in the past election. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, lobbyist Richard F. Hohlt and his wife Deborah have donated $391,337 but only $4,000 was provided to Republicans. It says that direct contributions are only part of the political participation.

The article focuses on the importance of fundraising to stay competitive in the 2008 presidential election in the U.S Public financing is no longer an effective means of financing a presidential campaign according to Tony Corrado, a professor of government. It states that presidential candidates spent a combined $718 million in private money during the 2004 election. The campaign finance rule that was enacted in 2002 allowed individual contributions at $1,000 per election or $2,000 per cycle.

The article offers a look at the fund raising and political money trend in preparation for the November 7, 2006 elections in the U.S. When Congress passed the McCain-Feingold law in 2002, political experts were remarkably unanimous about what would happen once soft money--the large, unregulated contributions that were paying for the bulk of federal elections--was banned. In this election, the first midterm since the law took effect, the parties appear poised to play an unprecedented role.

The article focuses on the abuse of charities for political gain by lawmakers and lobbyists in the U.S. The relationship of U.S. Representative Randy Cunningham (R-Calif.) with the charity Sure Foundation is involved in the bribery scandal that unseated him. Former lobbyist Jack Abramoff is one among those suspected of manipulating charities for political gain.

The article discusses the status of the lobbying industry in Washington D.C. as of March 2006. Scandals involving former lobbyist Jack Abramoff and former U.S. Representative Randy Cunningham affected the industry. Competition, time, complexity, gridlock and money are the key factors shaping the sector. Lobbyist Anne Wexler comments on lobbying. Since 1852, U.S. lawmakers are committed to regulate lobbying at the U.S. Congress.

This article takes a look at a number of lobbying reforms being proposed in the U.S. as of January 28, 2006 in response to the Jack Abramoff scandal. Some past attempts at lobbying reform are noted. The key provisions of some leading lobbying reform proposals are outlined. The attitude of Republicans toward lobbying reform is described.

This article reports on the establishment of a legal team that would support Texas representative Tom DeLay in November 2005. Indicted on two felony charges, DeLay has marshaled all of his renowned political savvy, connections and fundraising skills. Hence, both indictments hinge on the allegation that DeLay used his state political action committee.

Discusses the efforts of the Democratic Party in the U.S. to improve their intellectual infrastracture of think tanks and other affiliates to generate ideas for the party. Goal of the Third Way, the think tank started by activists; Significance of the Center for American Progress, the think tank started by John Podesta, White House chief of staff during the administration of President Bill Clinton; Members of the Center for American Progress; Radio program of Air America Radio that contributes in the liberal progressive cause.

Reports on the problems that could cause trouble in the November 2, 2004 U.S. presidential elections. Information on the Help America Vote Act of 2002; Role of "Election Protection" movement in the upcoming election; Election bloopers that have made the headlines in the recent years. INSET: WAS THAT TOUCH-SCREEN VOTE COUNTED?.

Discusses the implications of campaign finance law for members of the U.S. Congress. Provisions of the campaign finance law; Strategies used by congressional campaign committees to raise funds; Role of members of the Congress in political fund raising.

Features millionaire Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of Democratic presidential candidate Senator John Kerry. Issues related to the involvement of Heinz Kerry in the campaign of her husband; Political experiences of Heinz Kerry; Statement made by the H.J. Heinz Co. on its alleged connection with the Kerry campaign.

Examines the responses to the decision of U.S. President George W. Bush to sign the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act into law on November 5, 2003. State of abortion politics; Support of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America for the presidential candidacy of Bush; Preference to an abortion in the early stages of pregnancy.

Comments on the flow of unregulated campaign funds in the U.S. despite the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court to deny a campaign finance law that bans the campaign contributions. Implications of the ruling to the U.S. political system; Criticisms against the law; Action taken by political parties to raise funds. INSETS: A PRIMER ON THE MONEY MAGNETS;A CATALOG OF KEY GROUPS;INSIDE TWO OF THE SOFT-MONEY HAVENS.

Describes the ability of U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) to raise needed campaign funds for the Democratic Party and Democratic candidates in the U.S. Factors enhancing her fund raising prowess; Law governing campaign funds; Approaches used by Clinton to abide by the law; Supporters of Clinton; Contribution of the publication of her book "Living History" to fund raising efforts.

Focuses on the legal disputes over campaign finance culminating in the U.S. Supreme Court's consideration of the constitutionality of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. Speculation on the ruling of the Supreme Court regarding the law; Dispute among legislators over campaign finance legislation; Analysis of the views of Supreme Court Justices on the law; Discussion of the legal issue of soft-money ban and restrictions on outside groups engaging in issue activity that is not explicitly election-oriented.

Discusses the campaign of Stephen Moore and his political action committee called Club for Growth to help fiscally conservative Republicans get elected in the U.S. Congress. Information on Moore's career in electoral politics; Criticisms of the Republicans on Moore's efforts; Future plans of Moore and the Club for Growth; Information on some campaigns supported by the Club for Growth.

Highlights the support of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for campaign finance reform in the U.S. Maximum amount that can be collected by politicians from individual donors for voter registration efforts; Peace offering of President George W. Bush to the Afro-American community; Unemployment rate for Afro-Americans; Key members of the CBC.

Explains that the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States (U.S.) has made several legislators the focus of media attention. Subcommittee headed by U.S. Representative Saxby Chambliss that handles issues on terrorism; Actions taken by U.S. Senator Bob Graham to deal with terrorist threat; Laws authored by U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison that seek to enhance airport security.

Reports on the leadership of United States Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Representative Nita M. Lowey (D-N.Y.) in the Democratic Campaign Committees as of June 2001. Views on the qualifications of Murray in the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee; Actions taken by Lowey as chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; Views of the two legislators on the 2002 elections.

Contends that the disunity between Senator John McCain and his interest-group allies has affected the efforts of lobbyists in the United States Senate concerning campaign fund reform. Concerns raised in a campaign finance reform bill; Reaction of Democrats to the campaign finance legislation.

Provides information on the different government officials who are opposed to the proposal to initiate a reform in the United States campaign finance law. Details on the regulation concerning the funds used in elections; Relation of campaign finance with the right to free political speech; Views of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and U.S. Federal Election Commissioner Bradley Smith on electioneering.

Cites that the senate race in Delaware in year 2000 was a case study in record-breaking spending on political campaigns. Campaign funds of Governor Thomas R. Carper; Trends in political fund-raising; Details of the senate race in Delaware.

Deals with the challenges facing the Republican Party in the United States (U.S.) House. Role to be played by the Democrats in the U.S. House; Significance of a small margin to the majority rule of the Republican Party; Impact of a victory by presidential candidate George W. Bush to the House leadership of the Republicans.

Focuses on the clash between lawmakers and their parties particularly the Republican and Democratic Committees in the United States regarding the handling of campaign money in 2000. Amount of check expected by the National Republican Congressional Committee to be written by Representative Jim Greenwood; Accusations against the House and Senate party committees; Discussion on the use of soft money in campaign activities.

Deals with financial disclosure legislation in the United States over tax-exempt political groups. Impact of secrecy in politics and political parties on disclosure laws; Examples of the tax-exempt political groups; Act issued by the Joint Committee on Taxation to address the issue.

Focuses on the efforts of the labor unions in the United States (US) to stretch its political clout to pressure the Democratic Party presidential candidates. Meeting between US Vice President Al Gore and George Becker, president of the United Steelworkers of America; Efforts of Bill Bradley, a presidential candidate and Gore to have the support of the labor unions; Challenges facing the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.

Features Senator Bob Torricelli (D-N.J.). Career background in politics; Information on his campaign for the United States Senatorial elections in 2000; Comments from colleagues.

Provides information on the aides of officials in the United States House Government Reform Committee. Telephone and facsimile numbers; Major issues handled; Aides that are Republicans and Democrats; Budget; Subcommittees; Professional background of Kevin J. Binger, staff director; Educational background of Daniel R. Moll, deputy staff director; Responsibilities of Barbara J. Comstock as chief counsel.

Focuses on the value of the support of the business sector for the candidates of the 2000 United States presidential elections. Nature of political relationships of business executives; Illustration of the political activities of chief operating officers of different industries; Efforts of the political campaign team of Texas Governor George W. Bush to gain the support of the sector.

Points out that the efforts of the Chairmen of the United States House of Congress Campaign Committee, Republican Thomas M. Davis III, and Democrat Patrick J. Kennedy will determine the House leadership in 2000. Comparisons and contrasts of the legislators; Legislative accomplishments of the legislators; Focus on the campaign style of the legislators.

Focuses on the status of the United States Congress after the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. Plan of the Republican congressional leaders to get things done; Criticisms on Speaker Dennis Hastert; Views of House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt on battle for control of the House in 2000.

Focuses on the investigation conducted by the United States Federal Election Commission (FEC) on whether the Republican and Democratic National Committees' advertisements broke the campaign finance rules. Arguments of the FEC auditors on Bill Clinton and Bod Dole's campaign advertisements; Significant implications of the FEC audit ruling; Highlights of the investigation.

Reports on the impeachment trial against President Bill Clinton of the United States (US). How the exit polls showed support for impeaching Clinton; Details on the White House debate on impeachment; Comments from several politicians; How Speaker Newt Gingrich's resignation helped undermine the US Democrats' strategy for fighting impeachment. INSETS: A primer on the rules;Potential party mavericks.

Provides information on how the Kennedy family in United States raise campaign funds for elections. Information about the Kennedys in the Democratic Party who are successful fund raisers; Views of the Democrats about the success of the Kennedys in raising campaign funds; Controversies associated with the campaign funds raised.

Discusses why some Americans do not vote. Factors that affect voting behavior; Information on studies of television's impact on voting; Clarification on the assumption about Americans' voting behavior. INSET: Slouching toward the `98 ballot box.

Discusses the attempts of United States Senate Democratic Minority Leader Tom Daschle and party members' to shift the balance of power in the Senate on their favor. Success in pushing the Democratic agenda; Visibility of party's views in education, pension security, health care and environment; Protection of the minority party's rights; Views on campaign finance reform.

Depicts the challenges faced by Dan Burton, the United States Member of Congress who heads the committee on the campaign finance probe. Advantages of a more-sweeping subpoena power; Problems with media relations; Effect on his popularity in his home state; Allegations of campaign fund solicitation.

Discusses the politics of tax-exempt groups in the United States. Campaign trends; Nonprofit rights of tax-exempt groups; Money raising sources of tax-exempt groups; Senator Fred Thompson's criticisms on the involvement of tax-exempt groups with campaign activities.

Discusses the internal conflicts within the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in the United States. Political stand on the campaign finance reforms; ACLU endorsement of public financing to state candidates during elections.

Profiles Mark E. Middleton, former White House aide of the United States. Refusal by Middleton of congressional investigation; Boyhood of Middleton; Middleton's leap to the world of international finance.

Reports on the campaign finance overhaul concerning free television time provided to candidates. Advocates of the free television time; Impact of the free television to campaign expenditures; Advantages of free television; Criticisms on the proposal; Impact on the broadcast industry; Increasing campaign costs; Impact of the proposal on the candidates' budget. INSET: Should the candidates speak for themselves?..

Discusses the opinion of business leaders on their political donations to political parties in the 1996 presidential elections in the United States. Loyal contribution of Kenneth L. Fisher, Silicon Valley manager to the Republican Party; Suggestion on the improvement of the campaign finance system; Goals of donations from business. INSET: Fat cats ponder new PAC rules..

Discusses the political trials of US House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Impact of ethics violations; Complaints about the ethics investigation; Political implications and compromises; Political implications and compromises; Impact on party leadership.

Deals with several issues surrounding the campaign finance reforms in the United States. How the state-based campaign finance reform movement started; Campaign laws enacted by reformers; Advantages and disadvantages of independent expenditure; Pitfalls of campaign finance reform.

Focuses on the view taken by the Democratic Party over the Republican Party's 34 to 17 governorships won during the 1996 elections. Reclamation of the majority in the nation's state legislatures where control over government policies in areas such as welfare and health care increasingly rests; Surprise in the four open-seat races; Winners and losers in the governor's block.

Looks into the political campaign activities of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Democrat National Committee for the 1996 national elections in the United States. RNC's launching of a $23 million `issue ad' campaign; DNC's spending of $20 million into issue advertising that conveys anti-Republican Congress message.